US food, apparel and consumer goods firm Sara Lee has named a new chief executive officer and said it plans to dispose of around 40% of its revenues, including its apparel, European packaged meats and direct selling businesses.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


The move forms part of its transformation plan, which the company said consists of organising business operations around consumers, customers and geographic markets; focusing the portfolio; and increasing operational efficiency. The plan is aimed at improving the company’s performance and better positioning it for long-term growth.


Brenda Barnes has been named CEO of the company, effective immediately, replacing Steve McMillan, who is to remain as chairman until October 2005.


“Today, Sara Lee is embarking on an aggressive, strategic plan that will transform the entire enterprise into a tightly focused food, beverage and household products company,” said Barnes.


The company’s new organisation structure will consist of three lines of business: North American retail, including the bakery, packaged meats and Senseo coffee retail businesses in North America; North American foodservice, including the bakery, coffee and meats foodservice businesses in North America; and Sara Lee International, which will include the bakery and beverage businesses outside of North America, the global household products business, as well as the European packaged meats business, until it is divested.

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.

Sara Lee’s US$1.1bn European packaged meats business has brands such as Aoste and Imperial.


In addition, Sara Lee is planning to locate its North American businesses with its corporate staff at a single site to be determined in the Chicago area. Sara Lee International will be headquartered in Utrecht, The Netherlands.