Smucker Reveals a Raft of Internal Exec Changes, One Departure and Two Retirements

J.M. Smucker Co. today announced a large number of leadership changes “designed to advance the company's continued execution of its long-term growth strategy.” The changes include the elimination of the chief operating officer role, a couple of retirements and a lot of title changes, but no new hires -- yet.

John Brase, who has been COO, has left the company. Mark Smucker has reassumed the president’s job, to go with his titles of CEO and chairman.

Randy Day, senior vice president of Operations, and Bryan Hutson, senior vice president over Information Services and Supply Chain, each have announced their intent to retire, but today’s announcement didn’t say when.

Tucker Marshall, who has served as chief financial officer, has been promoted to the new role of CFO and executive vice president in charge of Frozen Handheld and Spreads and Sweet Baked Snacks. His responsibilities include international business.

Rob Ferguson, who has been a senior vice president and general manager of Coffee and Procurement, has been promoted to the new role of chief product supply officer and EVP over Coffee, Pet, and Away from Home.

Jill Penrose, chief people and company services officer, has been promoted to the expanded role of chief people and administrative officer and chief of staff. Penrose now manages corporate strategy and chief of staff responsibilities in addition to her continued oversight of communications, public relations, government and industry relations, human resources, community relations and philanthropy.

All those title changes took effect yesterday (Feb. 9).

Two other exec changes were announced that won’t go into effect until July 27.

Tim Wayne, currently senior vice president and general manager of Away From Home and International, will give up International but get the Coffee business.

Robert Crane, currently a senior vice president and head of Sales and Sales Commercialization, will become SVP and head of Sales and International.

"These executive leadership updates will sharpen our focus on driving top-line growth and enhancing profitability across the company,” said Mark Smucker.

The company also is looking to hire three high-ranking officers: a chief technology officer, a new title that will include “advancing the company's artificial intelligence strategy across the enterprise; an SVP over Operations and Supply Chain; and an SVP of Science and Technical Community, which will be responsible for quality assurance, research and development, and other technical functions.