NORTHFIELD, Ill. -- Kraft Foods Group Inc. has announced several management changes. George Zoghbi, currently vice chairman of operations, research and development, sales and strategy, has been named COO.
The company also announced that Chris Kempczinski, who currently leads Kraft's Canada business unit, will assume an expanded role as executive vice president of growth initiatives and president of international.
Effective immediately, they will report to chairman and CEO John T. Cahill.
The newly created leadership positions reflect Kraft's commitment to accelerating the pace of change and improving execution, it said, and will support the development of a plan that puts the company on a clear path to long-term sustainable growth.
Zoghbi will oversee the company's U.S. business units, sales and marketing services. He will continue to lead Kraft's integrated supply chain, working closely across all operations to make investment decisions, drive productivity and execute the company's innovation and brand marketing plans.
Prior to joining Kraft, Zoghbi held a variety of leadership roles at dairy exporter Fonterra.
Kempczinski will work closely with Zoghbi to formulate strategy, including mergers and acquisitions, and develop and deploy innovation platforms for Kraft's sustainable growth. He will continue to lead Kraft Canada.
Prior to joining Kraft, he was vice president of marketing in the non-carbonated beverages sector of PepsiCo. He was also with Procter & Gamble
The company also announced that Teri List-Stoll, executive vice president and CFO, will be leaving effective February 28. She has been with Kraft since September 2013 and led the company's financial operations, including accounting and reporting, financial planning, treasury, tax, audit and investor relations. The finance function will report directly to Cahill until a CFO is appointed.
Deanie Elsner, executive vice president and chief marketing officer also will be leaving the organization effective February 28. Marketing will move closer to operations to sharpen focus and more effectively rejuvenate brands.
Jane Hilk, executive vice president and president of enhancers and snack nuts, has been appointed interim CMO. She has held marketing leadership positions across the company's product categories and launched advertising campaigns for brands including Oscar Mayer, Planters and Kraft Singles. The company will name a senior marketing executive, who will report to Zoghbi.
Additionally, Chuck Davis, executive vice president of research, development, quality and innovation, will be leaving Kraft. He will remain with the company and report to Zoghbi until the company names a successor.
Kraft, Northfield, Ill., is a consumer packaged food (CPG), snack and beverage company with annual revenues of more than $18 billion. Brands include Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Velveeta, Planters, Philadelphia, Maxwell House, Lunchables, Capri Sun, Kool-Aid and JELL-O.
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