The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA), Harrisburg, Pa.
Officers and members of the board of directors for 2011-12 were sworn in at the association’s 67th annual meeting. Inductees include Bob Branham, General Mills, elected chairman-elect, and Scott Haws, Land O’Lakes, secretary. Newly elected to the board of directors are John Farmer, Global Dairy Products; and Steve Ostrander, Crystal Farms. Elected for a second term on the board of directors are John Arnold, Sargento Foods; David Davis, Welch’s Foods; David Epps, Sara Lee; Ken Gipple, Kraft Foods; John Mastropaolo, Dannon Co. Inc.; Joseph Mrozek, Pinnacle Food Group, LLC; and Louise Yerian, Nestlé USA.
Sargento Foods, Inc., Plymouth, Wis.
Ken Tobey was reassigned to customer research manager, responsible for all category management activities related to Kroger. Drew Carmichaelwas appointed core marketing manager and Keith Kronbeck as customer research manager for the Supervalu-Target team in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, Jana Johnsonwas named technology principal, responsible for leading R&D efforts related to natural cheese platforms and product launches. Charmaine Hilgertwas appointed regional merchandising manager in the consumer products division, responsible for all retail operations and programs in the Southeast United States and overseeing key accounts.
Sara Lee Corp., Downers Grove, Ill.
Ingrid Baronwas named chief marketing officer of Sara Lee’s international beverage business, CoffeeCo, once it spins off in the first half of 2012. Baron will be responsible for driving the innovation portfolio, brand strategy and marketing talent for the new business.
Koch Membrane Systems Inc., Wilmington, Mass.
Carlos Rodrigueswas promoted to business development manager, industrial and life sciences for South America, responsible for all aspects of the continued development and expansion of KMS’ industrial and life sciences business.
Deacom Inc., Wayne, Pa.
Drew Schwoyerwas named lead product consultant, bringing 10 years of manufacturing management experience and offering a unique perspective into Deacom software implementation. Matthew Kefferis the new senior sales executive, bringing more than 12 years of industry experience with engineer-to-order, make-to-order, make-to-stock and mixed-mode manufacturing companies in the small- to mid-sized enterprise market. Plus, he specializes in working with ERP, SCM, CRM and BI software.
Wixon Inc., St. Francis, Wis.
Paul Whitakerwas named consumer products divisional leader, responsible for growth of top-line revenue through direct sales and business development activities, divisional leadership of the consumer products cross-functional team, management of the day-to-day operations and organizing strategic and tactical planning.
