CPG Industry Veteran Named IRI Chairman

Retail data giant Information Resources Inc. (IRI) has appointed CPG industry veteran Richard Lenny as Chairman of its Board of Directors, replacing Lawrence Benjamin who will remain a member of the Board and a Senior Advisor.

Lenny (pictured) joins with more than 30 years' client-side food industry experience. Previously, he served as Chairman, President, and CEO at The Hershey Company, prior to which, he was President of Nabisco Biscuit Company and, following the firm's acquisition by Kraft, he was named Group Vice President of Kraft Foods and President, Nabisco Biscuit and Snacks. Earlier in his career, Lenny worked for Pillsbury as President of its North America arm, and he spent eighteen years at Kraft Foods in a number of senior marketing and sales roles.

He currently serves on the Board of McDonald's Corporation, Discover Financial Services, and ConAgra Foods, Inc., and previously served on the Board of Sunoco and was also Chairman of the Board of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).

IRI President and CEO Andrew Appel comments: 'Rick brings to IRI an impressive background, including more than three decades of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) arena. His experience with the client side of our business and resounding track record of leadership success will provide unique perspective to help us accomplish our most critical objectives and exceed our clients' expectations.'

Lenny replaces Benjamin, who had served as IRI Chairman since January 2012. Benjamin has more than 25 years' experience of leading food companies in the retail, CPG, and foodservice industries, having held senior executive positions at Royal Ahold, including serving as CEO of US Foodservice, and COO of Ahold's US retail businesses. Before this, he was CEO for NutraSweet and President of the frozen meals division of Kraft.

Appel added: 'I am deeply appreciative to Larry for his personal guidance, tremendous contributions to IRI and his continued involvement on the Board and support of the business.'

Web site: www.iriworldwide.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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