ORRVILLE, Ohio -- The J. M. Smucker Co. has announced that Vincent C. Byrd, vice chairman, will be retiring on June 10, 2016, following 39 years with the company.
Byrd, who is also a board member, has served in a number of leadership roles during his career with the company, most recently as its president and COO.
"On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Vince Byrd for his 39 years of dedicated service to the Smucker Co.," said Richard Smucker, CEO. "Vince is a highly respected leader, not only within the company, but throughout the CPG [consumer packaged goods] industry, particularly with the many customers and strategic partners with whom he has built and nurtured meaningful relationships. We truly appreciate all of Vince's valuable contributions, which have helped shape the company we are today."
J. M. Smucker has also announced several executive appointments it said are designed to position the company for continued growth and support the company's long-term succession planning.
Effective March 1, 2016, Barry C. Dunaway will assume the role of president of Big Heart Pet Food & Snacks. Dunaway has 28 years of experience with the company in a variety of management roles and currently serves as president for international and chief administrative officer. Dunaway has responsibility for the company’s merger and acquisition strategy.
Dunaway will succeed David J. West, who has served as president of Big Heart since joining the company in March 2015.
Dunaway and West will work together to transition responsibilities, beginning Jan. 1, 2016. On March 1, 2016, Mr. West will assume the role of strategic advisor to the executive committee. At the conclusion of his employment agreement, on April 30, 2016, West will remain a member of the board, advising in areas that include corporate strategy and growth capabilities.
The company also announced that, effective Jan. 1, Mark R. Belgya, senior vice president and CFO, will be promoted and have expanded responsibilities that now also include the government and industry affairs, information services and corporate strategy departments. Belgya has 30 years of experience with J.M. Smucker, serving in a number of leadership roles within the finance organization.
"Continuity of leadership and the ability to capitalize on the deep bench strength of our organization have been important factors behind our company's success and will remain key elements of our plans to support long-term growth," said Richard Smucker. "We are confident in the proven abilities of our leadership team, along with the talented employees that support them, to continue to strengthen and grow our company. In addition, we are excited that Dave West will continue serving the company as a director following his decision to transition into the next chapter of his career."
Orrville, Ohio-based J. M. Smucker is a leading marketer and manufacturer of consumer food and beverage products and pet food and pet snacks with projected annual net sales of approximately $8 billion. In consumer foods and beverages, its brands include Smucker's, Folgers, Jif, Dunkin' Donuts, Crisco, Pillsbury, R.W. Knudsen Family, Hungry Jack, Café Bustelo, Martha White, truRoots, Sahale Snacks, Robin Hood, and Bick's. In pet food and pet snacks, its brands include Meow Mix, Milk-Bone, Kibbles 'n Bits, Natural Balance and 9Lives.
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