CAMDEN, N.J. -- Campbell Soup Co. said that Irene Chang Britt, 49, officially takes over as president of Pepperidge Farm as Pat Callaghan steps down after more than 30 years with the company. Britt will be based at Pepperidge Farm's headquarters in Norwalk, Conn., and will report to Campbell's president and CEO Denise Morrison.
"I am thrilled to step into my new role as the leader of such a beloved brand," Britt said. "Pepperidge Farm's success has been built on smart and successful innovation and by thinking in real consumer terms. Thanks to Pat's leadership, Pepperidge Farm has become a leader in snacking, and I'm eager to hit the ground running and to help the team take the business to the next level."
In addition to leading Pepperidge Farm, Britt oversees Campbell's Global Baking & Snacking businesses. With net sales approaching $2.3 billion per year, Campbell is the No. 3 global player in the baked snacks category and also has a fresh and frozen bakery business in the United States.
Morrison said, "Irene has a history of growing brands and businesses through her focus on consumer needs, marketplace trends and innovation. I'm confident she will bring a new global perspective and insights to this business that will lead to continued growth."
Britt is the first woman to lead Pepperidge Farm since company founder Margaret Rudkin presided over the business from 1937 to 1966. Pepperidge Farm was acquired by Campbell in 1961.
Britt became senior vice president and chief strategy officer in October 2010 with responsibility for Campbell's global strategy, global marketing services and global consumer and customer insights. Prior to that, Britt served as president of North America foodservice, leading the foodservice business and the retail perimeter business across the United States and Canada. She also served as vice president and general manager of sauces and beverages with responsibility for the U.S. beverage portfolio and the Prego and Pace sauces businesses. Under Britt's leadership, the Sauces and Beverages business delivered three consecutive years of top- and bottom-line growth, including consistent gains of net sales, market share and profit on the company's U.S. beverage business.
Before joining Campbell in 2005, Britt spent eight years with Kraft Foods, including positions as senior vice president and general manager of the salted snacks division and Post Cereal division. Before that, she spent 12 years at Kimberly-Clark, where she held marketing positions and key assignments in sales and research and development.
Britt is a member of the board of directors of Sunoco Inc.
Camden, N.J.-based Campbell Soup is a global manufacturer and marketer of foods and simple meals, including soup and sauces, baked snacks and healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of market-leading brands, including Campbell's, Pepperidge Farm, Arnott's and V8.
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