US soft drinks and snacks giant PepsiCo has appointed a former executive of US food giant Kraft to run its Frito-Lay snacks business.

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The company said that Al Bru, current chairman and CEO of Frito-Lay and a 28-year veteran of the company, will retire on 1 February 2005. Bru, who has led the division since 1999 and previously ran the salty snacks and confectionery Sabritas business in Mexico, has been named PepsiCo vice chairman, effective immediately. He will continue to report to chairman and CEO, Steve Reinemund.


Irene Rosenfeld, former president of Kraft Foods’ North American business, was appointed as chairman and chief executive officer of Frito-Lay. Rosenfeld will also report to Reinemund and will direct all Frito-Lay’s US and Canadian operations.


PepsiCo also announced that John Compton has been named vice chairman of Frito-Lay. In addition, he will retain his current responsibilities as president of the North American salty snacks business.

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