Reports in the US media suggest food giant Campbell Soup Co. is set to name former Pinnacle Foods boss Mark Clouse as its new CEO.

Speculation has linked Clouse with the job for several weeks but now the New York Post newspaper, quoting sources, said he could be announced in the role as soon as this week or at least by year’s end.

Campbell has been without a permanent CEO since May when Denise Morrison stepped down after the company announced huge third quarter losses.

Since then it has carried out a review of the business which led to it taking the decision to quit the international and chilled foods arenas and been involved in a bitter battle for control with activist investor and minority shareholder Third Point which led to Campbell adding two Third Point picks to its board at it annual meeting at the end of November.

It was suggested those new board members would be involved in the decision to appoint a new CEO.

According to the New York Post story Third Point owner Daniel Loeb has met Clouse to assure him of a lack of interference if he takes the reins.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

However, the newspaper said that while Clouse is the hot favourite for the CEO position, its source suggested there is at least one other candidate in the running.

Clouse was CEO of Pinnacle until it was acquired by peer Conagra Brands earlier this year.

When contacted by the newspaper, Campbell said: “We don’t comment on rumour or speculation.”