Van de Put will also join the company’s board of directors. Rosenfeld will continue as chairman of the board until March 31 next year, at which point she is to retire and Van de Put will assume the role.
He brings 30 years of experience in the food and drink industry to his new role. Van de Put grew net sales at McCain by more than 50% during his six years at the company, generating more than 75% of that growth organically.
Prior to joining McCain, Van de Put held executive positions with Novartis, Danone, The Coca-Cola Company and Mars.
‘Seasoned global ceo’
Commenting on Van de Put’s appointment, Rosenfeld said: “The board and I are confident that Dirk Van de Put is the right leader to take us forward. He is a seasoned global ceo with deep experience and expertise in all critical business and commercial operations in both emerging and developed markets.
“Throughout his career, Dirk has had a proven track record of driving top-line and category growth, while at the same time improving cost structures and profitability. And he has achieved these results with a values-based leadership style and steadfast focus on people.”
Mondelēz International lead independent director Mark Ketchum welcomed Van de Put to the company.
“Our thorough, multi-year succession process has identified Dirk as the right leader with a distinct combination of skills and industry experience necessary to succeed as our next ceo,” Ketchum added.
‘Distinct combination of skills’
“Our process was global in nature and thoroughly considered numerous highly talented internal and external candidates before making our final decision.”
Ketchum also thanked Rosenfeld for her contribution to the business, including the creation of Mondelēz International from its former incarnation, Kraft foods.
“Under her stewardship, Mondelēz International has become the leading global snacking company, delivering tremendous value to shareholders,” said Ketchum.
“We are extremely grateful for her leadership and for agreeing to stay on as chairman through the first quarter of next year, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.”
Meanwhile, appointments by speciality cake and bread manufacturer Finsbury Food Group and FoodDrinkEurope featured in our latest gallery of people moving to new roles in the food and drink industry.
Dirk Van de Put CV
- McCain Foods, ceo: 2011–2017
- McCain Foods, chief operating officer: 2010–2011
- Groupe Danone, vice president of fresh dairy products Americas: 2008–2010
- Novartis, president of the global over-the-Counter, consumer health division: 2009–2010
- Groupe Danone, president of the Americas division: 2007–2009
- Groupe Danone, president of the Latin America division: 1998–2007
- The Coca-Cola Company, president of the Caribbean division and Brazil division vice president of value chain management: 1997–1998
- Mars, marketing, sales and general management positions: 1986–1997