Richard Smucker will become chairman emeritus and remain on the board as a non-employee director, the company said on Monday. Smucker products include Folgers, Pillsbury, Jif and its namesake fruit jams, jellies and spreads. The new generation is the fifth in the Smucker founding family to assume leadership of the company.
Mark Smucker, 46, has served as the president of consumer and natural foods, and is a board member. "As an organization highly focused on talent development and operating with a long-term perspective, Mark's appointment reflects the board's thoughtful approach to succession planning. Mark has consistently demonstrated that he is a visionary leader, an innovator, and a steward of the company's unique culture,” stated Gary A. Oatey, chairman of the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee.
Oatey added that the company “will continue to benefit from Richard (Smucker's) strategic oversight and institutional knowledge as he assumes the role of executive chairman.”
Smucker’s board also said it has promoted Mark R. Belgya and Steven Oakland to the additional management roles of vice chair, also effective May 1. Belgya, currently senior vice president and chief financial officer, will be vice chair and CFO. Oakland, currently president of coffee and foodservice, will be vice chair and president, U.S.
