Embattled Odwalla Replaces Two Directors

Odwalla Inc. said it appointed two directors to replace two others who resigned, as the juice distributor attempts to rebound from last month’s news that it is the subject of a grand jury investigation. The new directors are Nick Nickelson, president of Red Mesa Microbiology, and Richard Grubman, managing director of investment firm Development Capital and its affiliate Corporate Value Partners. Davenport-based Odwalla said the directors will replace Lauren Doliva, a partner with the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, and Kenneth Ausubel, an entrepreneur and writer. The grand jury probe involves the contamination of Odwalla’s fresh-pressed apple juice with E. coli bacteria last year, which forced it to recall all products made with that juice. The contamination was linked to the death of a 16-month-old Colorado girl and illnesses in 60 other people. Odwalla stock rose 25 cents to close at $10.88 in Nasdaq trading.