ORRVILLE, OHIO — The J.M. Smucker Co. is reorganizing its leadership team effective Nov. 25. The company said the new structure is intended to improve focus on strategic initiatives and streamline decision making. The team will continue to report to Mark Smucker, president and chief executive officer.
As part of the changes, the company is creating a chief operating officer position and is in the process of searching for a candidate to fill the position. When filled, the c.o.o. will focus on strategic and operational oversight of Smucker’s U.S. Pet Food and Pet Snacks business, Coffee, Consumer Foods and North American Away from Home business units.
Geoff Tanner, who is senior vice-president of growth and consumer engagement, will take on the new role of chief marketing and commercial officer. In this role, Mr. Tanner will be responsible for Smucker’s marketing, innovation, insights and e-commerce functions.
Jill Penrose, senior vice-president of human resources and corporate communication, will become chief people and administrative officer under the new structure. She will lead integration of the company’s administrative functions while expanding her responsibilities to include information services.
Amy Held will see her title change from senior vice-president of corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions and international, to chief strategy and international officer. She will continue to lead the company’s strategy and M.&A. functions.
The company also announced that Mark Belgya, vice-chair and chief financial officer, will retire Sept. 1, 2020. Tucker Marshall, vice-president of finance, will succeed Mr. Belgya. On Nov. 25 he will become senior vice-president and deputy c.f.o. and will succeed Mr. Belgya on May 1, 2020, the end of the company’s fiscal year. Mr. Belgya will continue as vice-chair until his retirement.