Consumer-Centric CMO for Kraft

After 21 years with the firm, Mary Beth West has been appointed as EVP/Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Kraft Foods, responsible for consumer insights and strategy, integrated marketing communications and consumer services.

Previously Group VP Kraft Foods and President North American Beverages, she replaces Jeri Finard, who became the firm's first CMO a year ago. Kraft said Finard left for personal reasons.

During her career with Kraft, West has held a number of key marketing and business management positions. She began her career as Associate Product Manager on Maxwell House coffee in 1986, and recently, she engineered the switch to 100% Arabica coffee beans in a consumer preferred package on the Maxwell House brand. West has an MBA in Marketing from Columbia University and a BS in Management from Nazareth College of Rochester.

In her new role, West will report to Irene Rosenfeld, Kraft Chairman & CEO, who commented: 'Mary Beth brings to the CMO role a consumer-centric approach to business challenges, a passion for breakthrough marketing, and a long track record of success in building Kraft brands.'

West was recently featured in NAFE Magazine (National Association for Female Executives), and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council & Foundation, American Beverage Association and the Board of Directors at JC Penney.

Web site: www.kraftfoods.com.

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