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Heinz Appoints New North American Leader

06/27/2012

H.J. Heinz Co., Pittsburgh, on June 26 announced Dave Woodward has been appointed executive vice president in charge of Heinz North America, which a number of financial analysts say has been struggling of late.

Woodward spent the past six years “driving the exceptional performance of our business in the UK & Ireland, the company’s second-largest market,” said William Johnson, Heinz chairman, president and CEO. “I expect Dave to lead Heinz North America to new levels of success by leveraging his proven expertise in marketing and innovation, and his keen understanding of consumer behavior.” Woodward had just been promoted to executive vice president of the company’s “Rest of World” segment on May 1.

Woodward, 47, succeeds Scott O’Hara as head of North America, reporting directly to Johnson. O’Hara is leaving Heinz to pursue other opportunities after six years with the Company. He was named President and CEO of Heinz North America in July 2009 after holding a similar post at Heinz Europe for three years.

Heinz said it expects to appoint a new leader for the Rest of World segment, which includes Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, shortly.