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Major Shake-Up Of Heinz Leadership Team After Takeover

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Major Shake-Up Of Heinz Leadership Team After Takeover

Following completion of the acquisition of Heinz by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital on 7 June, a new senior leadership team has been announced for the FMCG giant.

As previously announced, Bernardo Hees has been appointed chief executive at the FMCG giant with immediate effect. Hees succeeds William R. Johnston, who Heinz credits with 'transforming Heinz into a high-performing global leader in the packaged foods industry '. Johnston's career at Heinz spanned 31 years and several positions, including chairman, president and, latterly, CEO. After 15 years at the helm of the company, Johnston will serve as a part-time advisor to Hees on 'certain specific industry and strategic non-operating matters', according to Heinz.

Heinz also announced the appointment of Paulo Basilio as CFO a fortnight ago. Basilio will take up the role with immediate effect and will report directly to Hees. Commenting on Basilio's appointment, Hees said, "Paulo will be an invaluable partner to me as Heinz transitions to a private company, while positioning ourselves for future growth."

Kirsten Clark, formerly president of Heinz Canada, has been appointed SVP and chief people officer and will direct Heinz's worldwide human resources functions. Clark has held a number of other senior roles at Heinz since she joined the company in 2000. According to the company, 'Kirsten will report temporarily to Bernardo Hees until the open position of EVP of HR, IT and Performance is named'.

Brendan Foley has been appointed as Zone President of Heinz North America, having recently held the role of president of US consumer products, among other positions over the years. Foley joined Heinz in 1998.

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Matt Hill has been promoted to the role of zone president of Heinz Europe, having held the position of president of Heinz UK and Ireland for the past year. Hill has been at Heinz since 2010.

Emin Mammadov has been appointed as zone president of Heinz Russia, Turkey and Middle East & Africa. Mammadov most recently served as president of Heinz Africa and Middle East, where he focused on accelerating Heinz's growth in the emerging markets, according to Heinz. Hein Schumacher has been appointed zone president of Heinz Asia Pacific, while Fernando Pocaterra has been appointed as zone president of Heinz Latin America.

Michael Mullen will continue as SVP of Corporate & Government Affairs, Eduardo Pelleissone joins Heinz as EVP of Operations and Andy Shaw has been appointed as general counsel.

Andy Keating joins the Heinz senior leadership team in the capacity of chief quality officer. According to Heinz, 'As the chief quality officer, Andy is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality in all of Heinz’s products globally. He is also responsible for global risk assessment and management, ensuring consistent product performance globally and driving continuous improvement. Andy joined Heinz in 1994. Andy will have a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.'

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According to Hees, Heinz's leadership announcement of 20 June "further builds on Heinz's strong foundation for future growth."

Hees continued, “Notably, this announcement demonstrates the power and potential of meritocracy at work here at Heinz. As shown through today’s various internal promotions and appointments, the Company is focused on rewarding and promoting the best and brightest talent in the organization to lead Heinz moving forward."

"I am thrilled that this world-class group of executives will join me in taking Heinz to new heights while elevating our iconic global brands, offering superior customer service and ensuring that we continue to work collaboratively and efficiently across our global businesses.” (25 June)

 

© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney

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