WASHINGTON – Douglas R. Conant, the retired president and chief executive officer of Campbell Soup Co., will speak April 22 at the annual meeting of the American Bakers Association. The A.B.A. meeting will be held April 21-24 at the Turnberry Isle Resort in Aventura, Fla.

Mr. Conant led Campbell Soup from 2001-11. The 11th leader in the company’s 141-year history, Mr. Conant is credited with enhancing the company’s financial profile with 10 straight years of adjusted earnings per share growth, record high investment and record high return on invested capital. A native of the Chicago area, Mr. Conant holds two degrees from Northwestern University – a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from the university’s J.L. Kellogg School of Management. 

Mr. Conant is the author of the 2011 book, “TouchPoints: Creating Powerful Leadership Connections in the Smallest of Moments.”

 According to the A.B.A., his presentation will build on his experiences and lessons learned regarding change management, improving employee engagement, and strategic organizational development.

“Doug Conant’s success in retaining and attracting talented leaders and empowering cultures of innovation will provide attendees with invaluable ideas to allow them to succeed in this incredibly dynamic business climate,” said Robb MacKie, president and chief executive officer of the A.B.A.