CAMDEN, N.J. -- Campbell Soup Co. has appointed Mark Alexander as president of Campbell North America. Alexander, 47, will lead the division of the company that includes Campbell's North America soup, sauces and beverages business, Campbell Canada and Campbell's North America foodservice business, which collectively account for approximately $4.6 billion in annual revenue. His appointment is effective January 16, 2012.
In his new position, Alexander will succeed Sean Connolly, who is leaving Campbell to join Downers Grove, Ill.-based Sara Lee Corp. as CEO of its North American retail and foodservice business, and will serve as CEO of Sara Lee's North American meats business following that company's planned spinoff of its international coffee and tea business.
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Denise Morrison, Campbell's president and CEO, said, "Mark is an outstanding executive with a proven track record of success in critical management roles at Campbell, including the management of soup businesses in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. He was instrumental to the development of our company's new strategic framework and has close familiarity with the Campbell North America business and its leadership team."
She added, "During a career at Campbell that has spanned more than two decades, Mark has delivered consistently strong performance and demonstrated exemplary leadership skills. I am confident that, under his leadership, Campbell North America will maintain its strong progress in stabilizing and then profitably growing U.S. soup and simple meals, and continue to advance the consumer-driven innovation and brand-building initiatives that are now well underway across our North American businesses."
Alexander joined Campbell in 1989. Before assuming his current role as president of Campbell International, with responsibility for the company's businesses in Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, Alexander served as chief customer officer and president of North America baking and snacking. During his tenure as president of Asia Pacific from 2006 through 2009, Campbell's businesses in the region consistently delivered strong results.
Alexander was elected a corporate officer of Campbell in 2009 and is a member of both the company's leadership team and operating committee.
Commenting on Connolly's departure, Morrison said, "I've worked closely with Sean for almost nine years at Campbell, and I want to thank him for his many contributions to our company."
Campbell Soup, based in Camden, N.J., is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality 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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