TreeHouse reorganizes divisions, makes appointments
TreeHouse Foods is slimming its organization from three divisions down to two.
The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company’s reorganization begins in the first quarter and will move the company from “Baked Goods, Beverages and Meal Solutions” down to “Snacking & Beverages and Meal Preparation.”
The company has been active lately, selling two manufacturing facilities for its private label bakery goods and losing the sale of its ready-to-eat cereal business to Post Holdings. The moves could be part of the reason for the operational slim down but Steve Oakland, chief executive officer and president of TreeHouse said the reorganization is being done to help its customers improve margins so that they can invest in driving consumer traffic and to help them introduce innovation.
“Our reorganization not only enables us to align our resources to help our customers achieve their goals, but it also better positions us for growth going forward,” he said.
A Q4 report from TreeHouse did show positive signs for the year ahead, despite a slight decline in year-over-year sales.
The breakdown of the divisions sees Snack & Beverages including categories such as Bars, Broth, Candy, Cookies and Crackers, Griddle, Pita, Powdered and Liquid Beverages, Pretzels, Tea and Other Blends.
Also announced today, TreeHouse said Kevin G. Jackson has been named leader of the Snacking & Beverages department. Now president of the division, he was previously with The J.M. Smucker Co., serving as its senior vice president, U.S. retail sales and North American Away From Home division. He drove efforts around the Pet, Coffee and Consumer Goods businesses, overseeing restaurant, foodservice and the c-store channel.
"Today, consumers recognize private label store brands as consumer brands,” said Jackson. “Private label represents a wonderful opportunity, and I'm eager to be part of it. As TreeHouse repositions itself to better align its categories and resources to help customers achieve their goals, I'm looking forward to leveraging my experience to position the Snacking & Beverages division to flourish and drive our plans for growth."
It’s noted that Jackson has a non-compete in the coffee category, so the Single Serve Coffee business will be flooded in under Meal Preparation through the end of the year.
Joining that business under Meal Preparation, categories include: Bouillion, Cheese and Pudding, Hot Cereal, Nondairy Creamer, Pasta and Dry Dinners, Pickles, Pourable & Spoonable Dressings, Preserves, Red Sauces, Refrigerated Dough, Sauces, and Syrup.
Mark Fleming, who was president of Baked Goods will step in as president of Meal Preparation.
Additionally, Triona Schmelter has been appointed to chief transformation officer. She previously was the president of Meal Solutions, and will focus on how TreeHouse can leverage shared resources, such as in distribution, logistics and sourcing.