US: Heinz North America chief O'Hara departs
By Dean Best | 26 June 2012
- O'Hara leaves post as North America chief
- Former UK and Ireland boss Woodard replaces O'Hara
- Woodward had been named chief of Heinz RoW unit
 |
Ex-UK and Ireland chief Woodward replaces O'Hara |
Scott O'Hara, the head of Heinz's North American business, has left the ketchup giant, the company announced today (26 June).
O'Hara has moved on to "pursue other opportunities", the US food manufacturer said.
Dave Woodward, the former head of Heinz's business in the UK and Ireland, replaces O'Hara with immediate effect.
It is a swift change of roles for Woodward. On 1 May, he took on a role as executive vice president for Heinz's operations in its "rest of the world" unit after six years in charge of its businesses in the UK and Ireland.
In its last financial year, which ran until 29 April, Heinz saw its consumer products sales fall in North America. Volumes slid 2.3% on the back of price increases and reduced promotional activity. Operating profit was down 2.5%.
When Heinz reported its annual results in May, O'Hara admitted he was "not happy" with the results from the company's North American business "especially on the top line".
O'Hara acknowledged Heinz was "severely under-represented" in drug, dollar and convenience stores, where consumers were shopping for lower-price products.
However, he said Heinz was "taking action to change that" and he forecast an increase in organic sales and operating profit from the division in the new financial year.
Heinz Appoints Dave Woodward to Lead North American Business
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--H.J. Heinz Company (NYSE: HNZ) today announced that Dave Woodward has been appointed Executive Vice President in charge of Heinz North America, effective immediately.
"Dave Woodward is a proven, results-oriented leader who has distinguished himself over the last six years by driving the exceptional performance of our business in the UK & Ireland, the Company’s second-largest market," said William R. Johnson, Heinz Chairman, President and CEO. “I expect Dave to lead Heinz North America to new levels of success by leveraging his proven expertise in marketing and innovation, and his keen understanding of consumer behavior."
Woodward was promoted to Executive Vice President of the Company’s Rest of World segment on May 1, 2012. That promotion reflected his success in driving strong results in the UK & Ireland, where he served as president since 2006. In January 2011, his role was expanded to include Africa and the Middle East.
Woodward, 47, succeeds Scott O’Hara as President and CEO of Heinz North America, reporting directly to William R. Johnson. O’Hara is leaving Heinz to pursue other opportunities after six years with the Company. He was named President and CEO of Heinz North America in July 2009 after holding a similar post at Heinz Europe for three years.
"I want to thank Scott for his dedicated service to Heinz and I wish him the best in his future endeavors," Johnson said.
Heinz expects to appoint a new leader for the Company’s Rest of World segment, which includes Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, shortly.
Original source: www.heinz.com
Sectors: Baby food, Canned food, Condiments, dressings & sauces, Frozen
Companies: Heinz
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