OMAHA — Darren Serrao has been named to the newly created position of chief growth officer of ConAgra Foods, Inc. He will report to Sean Connolly, chief executive officer.

Darren Serrao, new c.g.o. of ConAgra Foods.

Most recently, Mr. Serrao was senior vice-president, chief marketing and commercial officer at the Campbell Soup Co., leading the company’s U.S. consumer business. Previously, he was vice-president of innovation and business development for Campbell North America. His experience also includes roles with PepsiCo and Unilever.

In his new position at ConAgra, Mr. Serrao will lead the company’s new Growth Center of Excellence, which combines insights, innovation, research and development and marketing with a goal to improve connectivity and accelerate speed-to-market.

“Darren is a talented industry veteran with significant leadership experience who will be a tremendous addition to our team,” Mr. Connolly said. “Darren brings proven innovation and new product development expertise, operational experience and a strong consumer focus. This appointment reflects our ongoing effort to remake ConAgra Foods into a focused, higher-margin, more contemporary and higher-performing company. I look forward to the many contributions Darren will make as we continue to execute our strategy.”