On July 18, 2023, Ares Acquisition Corporation II appointed David G. Hirz as a new director of the Company. Mr. Hirz has been appointed to serve on the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating committee of the Company, with such appointment effective upon him becoming a director of the Company. Mr. Hirz most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer as well as a member the board of directors of Smart & Final Stores Inc. from January 2012 through January 2022.

Prior to that, from April 2010 to January 2012, Mr. Hirz served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Smart & Final Stores Inc. Prior to joining Smart & Final Stores Inc., Mr. Hirz held executive positions with divisions of The Kroger Company, one of the supermarket operators, including President of Food4Less, a national warehouse grocery store chain of The Kroger Company, and President of the Ralphs Grocery Company, the supermarket chain in southern California at the time. Previously, Mr. Hirz held a variety of store and operations management positions with several retail grocery companies. Mr. Hirz received a B.B.A. in Finance and Economics & Political Science from California State University, Fullerton.

The Company believes that Mr. Hirz is well qualified to serve on its board of directors due to his significant senior leadership experience along with his extensive knowledge of the food retail and foodservice industries.