Pinnacle Foods appoints Mondelez executive Mark Clouse as new CEO

US-based Pinnacle Foods has named Mondelez executive Mark A Clouse as the company’s new chief executive officer (CEO).

Taking over the role from 23 May, Clouse will replace Bob Gamgort, who is leaving the company at the end of this month.

Clouse will also serve on the company’s board.

Following Gamgort’s departure, Pinnacle chief financial officer Craig Steeneck will assume the additional role of interim-CEO until 22 May.

Clouse is the present chief commercial officer at Mondelez.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Mondelez does not intend to fill this position following Clouse’s departure.

Clouse currently oversees Mondelez’s commercial execution across its five geographic regions.

Clouse has held a broad range of leadership positions involving brands such as Oreo, Nabisco, Cadbury and Trident during his 20-year tenure at Kraft Foods and the subsequent Mondelez subsidiary.

Before serving as chief commercial officer, Clouse was chief growth officer for Mondelez, where he was responsible for the company’s growth strategy and oversaw key areas such as corporate strategy, global marketing, global sales, and research, development and quality.

During his tenure, Clouse also led smaller, entrepreneurial businesses in emerging markets such as China and Brazil, as well as held leadership roles involving the integration of acquisitions.

Commenting on the appointment, Pinnacle chairman Roger K Deromedi stated: "We are thrilled to welcome Mark to Pinnacle as our new CEO. He assumes the leadership of a very strong company with an exceptionally talented team and bright future.

"Mark’s strong operating background and proven track record of success, combined with his broad experience in both the North American market and more entrepreneurial developing market businesses, make him the ideal candidate to lead Pinnacle and drive the continued success of our business model and strategy."

Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, Pinnacle Foods employs around 5,400 people.

Its brands include Duncan Hines baking mixes and frostings, Vlasic and Vlasic Farmer’s Garden shelf-stable pickles, Wish-Bone and Western salad dressings, as well as Mrs Butterworth’s and Log Cabin table syrups.