J.M. Smucker hires new chief operating officer
Orrville-based Smucker on Monday announced it hired John Brase as its chief operating officer effective April 13. Brase previously was vice president and general manager of P&G’s $6 billion (€5.4 billion) North American Family Care unit. Smucker said Brase has nearly 30 years of experience in the consumer goods industry, including brand management, business operations, manufacturing, marketing and sales.
J.M. Smucker announced last November it was creating the position of chief operating officer as part of a larger executive leadership team reorganization. The shakeup happened after Smucker earnings and financial performance underperformed.
Brase will report directly to Mark Smucker, president and chief executive officer of the pet food, coffee, jams/jellies and peanut butter company.
“John is an extremely talented and accomplished leader who brings a proven track record of delivering growth to the businesses he has overseen,” Smucker said in a news release. “Importantly, John has already displayed an understanding of our unique culture and a desire to enhance the positive impact we have on all our constituents.”
Brase will be part of the company’s executive leadership team. He will have strategic oversight of the company’s three U.S. business segments, Pet Food & Pet Snacks, Coffee, Consumer Foods, and also Smucker Away From Home, Operations and Supply Chain functions, the company said.