US food group J.M.Smucker has named experienced executive John Brase as its first chief operating officer (COO).
The creation of the COO role, a new one for the company, was announced in November when Smucker unveiled a new management structure which included a reshuffle of appointments across marketing, strategy, legal and administration.
The New York-listed jam, peanut butter and snacks maker behind brands such as Jif and Uncrustables, said Brase will take up his position next month.
Brase is a former vice president and general manager of consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble’s North American family care unit, and brings nearly three decades of experience in the consumer goods industry to the role, including work across brand management, business operations, manufacturing, marketing and sales.
Mark Smucker, president and CEO of J.M. Smucker, said: “John is an extremely talented and accomplished leader who brings a proven track record of delivering growth to the businesses he has overseen.
“Importantly, John has already displayed an understanding of our unique culture and a desire to enhance the positive impact we have on all our constituents.”
Brase will report directly to Mark Smucker and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team. As COO, he will have strategic oversight of the company’s three US business segments – consumer foods, pet foods and coffee – as well as its away from home, operations and supply chain functions.
