J.M. Smucker restructures leadership roles, eliminates COO position

The J.M. Smucker Co. announced leadership changes which it said are designed to advance its long-term growth strategy.

Tucker Marshall, chief financial officer, was promoted to chief financial officer | executive vice president, frozen handheld and spreads and sweet baked snacks. 

Rob Ferguson was promoted to chief product supply officer | executive vice president, coffee, pet and Away From Home.J.M. SmuckerRob Ferguson, senior vice president and general manager of coffee and procurement, was promoted to chief product supply officer | executive vice president, coffee, pet and Away From Home. Ferguson now oversees operations, distribution, supply chain, procurement, commodity hedging, quality assurance, research and development, cost and productivity programs including the company's transformation office. His responsibilities include the U.S. retail coffee, U.S. retail pet foods and Away From Home businesses.

Jill Penrose, chief people and company services officer, was promoted to chief people and administrative officer | chief of staff. 

The company eliminated its chief operating officer role, and John Brase transitioned from the company. Mark Smucker re-assumed the president title, serving as CEO, president and chair of the board.

"These executive leadership updates will sharpen our focus on driving top-line growth and enhancing profitability across the company," Smucker said. "Tucker and Rob bring extensive financial and supply chain expertise and proven track records of leading transformational work, supporting growth and organizational productivity. 

"The creation of the chief product supply officer role, and our promotion of Rob to this position, underscores our strategic focus on driving profitability and earnings growth, and his strategic leadership of coffee, pet, and Away from Home will ensure continued focus on growth and margin expansion opportunities," Smucker added.