CAMDEN, N.J., Apr 10, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) today announced the appointment of Larry S. McWilliams, Senior Vice President – Sales, Chief Customer Officer, as President of North America Soup, reporting to Douglas R. Conant, President and Chief Executive Officer. McWilliams has served as interim President of North America Soup since August 2002.
North America Soup is Campbell’s largest business segment and includes market-leading brands such as “Campbell’s,” “Chunky” and “Select” soups, “Swanson” broths and the Away From Home food service business. In fiscal 2002, the segment generated sales of $2.5 billion.
As Campbell’s Chief Customer Officer and interim President of North America Soup, McWilliams has played a key role in shaping and executing Campbell’s strategy to revitalize its core U.S. Soup business. Since he joined Campbell in February 2001, McWilliams has led efforts to strengthen the company’s relationships with its retail customers. Most recently, he was the driving force behind the launch of Campbell’s new convenience line of single-serve, microwaveable soups. This new line, which will be launched under the banner “M’m! M’m! Good! To Go,” builds on the success of Campbell’s “Soup at Hand,” the portable, sippable soup, and includes varieties of “Chunky” and “Select” soups in single-serve, microwaveable bowls.
As President of North America Soup, McWilliams will continue to be responsible for developing strategic initiatives in support of the company’s core soup businesses in the U.S. and Canada. Campbell Soup Company’s North American sales organization will continue to report to McWilliams until a successor is named.
Commenting on the appointment, Conant said, “Our primary goal is to revitalize our U.S. soup franchise. Larry McWilliams has the experience, talent and instincts to make that happen. He is an outstanding leader and a strong team builder with a deep understanding of our broad range of customers and consumers. Working with the U.S. Soup team, headed by Jeremy Fingerman, and with the Campbell leadership team, Larry has led the development of a comprehensive soup program, including product and packaging innovation, consumer marketing and sales execution. As we gear up for Fiscal 2004, which begins in August, I am looking forward to Larry’s continued leadership as President of our North America Soup business.”
McWilliams has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience at consumer products companies. Before joining Campbell in March 2001, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Minute Maid Company N.A., a $1.7 billion division of The Coca Cola Company. Prior to Coca-Cola, he held senior sales positions at The Pillsbury Company, The Drackett Company, formerly a subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb, and General Foods. McWilliams is a native of Texas who earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Texas A&M University.
McWilliams said, “We have the right team in place, which continues to lay the groundwork to significantly accelerate the business. I am delighted and honored to be given the opportunity to lead the world’s largest soup business at such a critical and exciting time in its history.”
About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high quality soup, sauces, beverage, biscuits, confectionery and prepared food products. The company owns a portfolio of more than 20 market-leading businesses each with more than $100 million in sales. They include “Campbell’s” soups worldwide, “Erasco” soups in Germany and “Liebig” soups in France, “Pepperidge Farm” cookies and crackers, “V8” vegetable juices, “V8 Splash” juice beverages, “Pace” Mexican sauces, “Prego” pasta sauces, “Franco-American” canned pastas and gravies, “Swanson” broths, “Homepride” sauces in the United Kingdom, “Arnott’s” biscuits in Australia and “Godiva” chocolates around the world. The company also owns dry soup and sauce businesses in Europe under the “Batchelors,” “Oxo,” “Lesieur,” “Royco,” “Liebig,” “Heisse Tasse,” “Bla Band” and “McDonnells” brands. The company is ably supported by approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information on the company, visit Campbell’s website on the Internet at www.campbellsoup.com.
Campbell Soup Company Media: Michelle M. Davidson, 856/968-4390 or Analysts: Leonard F. Griehs, 856/342-6428
