Former Heinz America CEO takes top post at Atkins Nutritionals

02/07/2005

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. (ANI) announced Feb. 7 that Neil Harrison has joined the company as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. At the same time, the company said Paul D. Wolff and Scott Kabak, the Chairman/CEO and President respectively since 2000, will remain as members of the Board of Directors but will no longer serve in day-to-day operational roles.

Mark Rodriguez, formerly General Manager, ANI North America, assumes the position of President of ANI, North America.

"Few chances come along in one's career that allow the opportunity to participate directly in the growth of a dynamic brand like Atkins," said Mr. Harrison. "As a food industry veteran with over 27 years of experience, I have seen very few brands that have revolutionized the food business and spurred a period of unprecedented growth in their segment of the industry to the extent Atkins has."

Harrison joins ANI from the H.J. Heinz Company, where he was most recently Executive Vice President of the H.J. Heinz Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of Heinz North America. He was responsible for the company's largest business unit, delivering $3.5 billion in sales and managing 10,000 employees, including those at 27 manufacturing facilities.

Previously at Heinz, Mr. Harrison was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Heinz Frozen Food Company, managing a $1.5 billion portfolio of products. His experience in consumer packaged goods and nutrition and weight management includes his role from 1997 - 1999 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Weight Watchers Gourmet Food Company. Other CPG experience includes a variety of positions at Miller Brewing Company, PepsiCo and General Foods Corporation.