ORRVILLE, OHIO — The board of directors of the J.M. Smucker Co. recently announced several executive appointments consistent with the company’s long-term succession planning and development of family leadership.

Effective Aug. 16, 2011, Richard K. Smucker will become the sole chief executive officer of the company, while Timothy P. Smucker will continue as chairman of the board. Richard and Timothy have been co-c.e.o.s of the company since February 2001.

Additionally, the board of directors approved the following executive appointments and realignment of responsibilities effective May 1, 2011:

•Vincent C. Byrd has been named president and chief operating officer with responsibility for the company’s U.S. retail businesses. In this role, Mr. Byrd will oversee U.S. marketing, sales and supply chain functions. He has 34 years experience with the company serving in a number of key positions throughout the organization. He currently is president of U.S. Retail Coffee.

•Mark T. Smucker has been named president of U.S. Retail Coffee. Mr. Smucker most recently was president of Special Markets, and has served in leadership roles within the company for 14 years.

•Paul Smucker Wagstaff will assume the role of president of U.S. Retail Consumer Foods in a newly consolidated business area combining the current consumer Smucker’s, Jif and Hungry Jack business with the Oils and Baking business. Mr. Wagstaff has 15 years of leadership experience within the company.

•Steven Oakland, currently president of Smucker’s, Jif and Hungry Jack, will assume the role of president of International, Foodservice and Natural Foods. He has been with Smucker for 28 years and has experience in the U.S. Retail, International and Foodservice business areas.

•Barry C. Dunaway, senior vice-president of Corporate and Organization Development, has been named senior vice-president and chief administrative officer. In this new role, Mr. Dunaway will oversee the company’s human resources, legal, corporate development and information services departments.

•Mark R. Belgya will continue as senior vice-president and chief financial officer with responsibility for accounting, investor relations, financial planning, tax and treasury and will assume additional responsibility for internal audit. Mr. Belgya has been with Smucker for 26 years.

“Continuity of leadership has been a primary factor behind our company’s success and remains a key element of the succession planning that ensures the development of future company leaders,” said Tim Smucker, chairman of the board and co-chief executive officer. “The changes announced today reinforce our commitment to maintain our company’s heritage and unique culture, while continuing to support the long-term interests of our constituents — consumers, customers, employees, suppliers, communities and shareholders.”