Conagra Brands has named former JM Smucker executive John Brase as its new president and CEO to replace Sean Connolly.
Brase will step into the roles on 1 June and will also take a position on the board, according to a statement today (13 April).
After more than a decade at the US food group, Connolly will relinquish the top seat on 31 May.
Brase was credited as having more than 35 years of consumer goods experience and was most recently president and chief operating office at JM Smucker, overseeing retail, the international business and foodservice.
The incoming CEO also spent time at Procter & Gamble, including senior vice president.
“John’s track record of driving top- and bottom-line performance, building brands across multiple consumer-packaged goods categories, leveraging advantaged business systems and leading inclusive, results-driven cultures is exceptional, and we are confident Conagra will thrive under his leadership,” Richard Lenny, the independent chair of Conagra’s board, said.
“The decision to appoint John as Conagra’s next leader follows our thoughtful approach to succession planning, including discussions with Sean, and our determination that now is the right time for this leadership transition.”
Brase said he plans to build on Conagra’s “track record of driving strong revenue growth, strengthening margins and generating robust cash flow to unlock the full potential of its brands and deliver meaningful value for consumers and shareholders”.
Lenny acknowledged Connolly’s record at what was described today as a “pure-play food company”.
He added: “He has successfully led Conagra through extraordinary times in our industry – from the global pandemic to unprecedented inflation and supply chain disruptions – by instilling a ‘refuse to lose’ mindset across the company.”
Connolly said: “Our efforts to invest in brand building and innovation, grow scale in frozen and snacks, sharpen execution and divest non-core assets have created a pure-play, branded platform with proven strength in key domains.
“I’m confident that the Conagra team, under John’s leadership, will build on the foundation we’ve established and will continue to deliver value for consumers, customers and shareholders for years to come.”
Chef Boyardee was one of the brands let go by Connolly last year, selling the shelf-stable pasta business to Hometown Food Company for $600m.
Canadian seafood group High Liner Foods also acquired the Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Kamp’s brands from Conagra.
Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra’s stable of brands includes Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender’s, Slim Jim, and Angie’s Boomchickapop.
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