Mondelez International welcomes new CIDO
Mondelez International today announced the appointment of Filippo Catalano as Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO). Reporting directly to Chair and Chief Executive Officer Dirk Van de Put, Catalano will be responsible for accelerating the company’s global technology transformation to drive long-term growth. He will join the organization later this year.
“We’re delighted to welcome Filippo to further advance our enterprise-wide technology agenda as a critical enabler of our sustainable growth plan,” Van de Put said. “Filippo’s track record in driving digital transformation in leading consumer packaged goods companies will provide strong leadership to step-change the digital evolution of our business.”
Catalano most recently served as CIDO at Reckitt, where he led the information technology and digital teams, helping to drive significant growth and expansion. Under his leadership, Reckitt re-platformed its technology stack to improve omnichannel operations while successfully implementing multiple artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics platforms and solutions.
Earlier, Catalano served as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Nestlé, where he led the transformation of technology platforms, data, analytics, e-business, processes, and technology skills. Prior to Nestlé, Catalano spent more than 15 years at Procter & Gamble, leading the digital transformation of key brands and corporate initiatives across geographies. He currently serves as a non-executive director at Farmer Connect, a leading tech company providing traceability and deforestation reporting for key agricultural commodities.
“I am very excited to join Mondelez International and help the company drive industry-leading technology solutions that grow competitive advantage while helping better connect customers and consumers with the snacking brands they love,” Catalano said.
Catalano holds a master’s degree in mechanical and energy engineering from Politecnico di Torino.
Agency 29 Founder joins hands with Palmer Food Services and G&C Food Distributors
Rochester-based Palmer Food Services and Syracuse-based G&C Food Distributors have welcomed Agency 29 founder and CEO Maureen Ballatori as a board member and advisor.
Maureen's strategic vision and innovative approach have been key drivers of success for numerous clients in the industry. Her new roles on the Board of Palmer Food Services and G&C Food Distributors will allow her to contribute her unique insights and experience to these organizations, furthering their commitment to excellence and growth.
"Maureen's deep understanding of the food and beverage sector, combined with her innovative approach to branding and marketing, makes her a tremendous asset to our boards," said Kip Palmer, fifth-generation CEO of Palmer Food Services and the Palmer Family of Companies. "We are excited to have Maureen with us and look forward to the strategic insights and fresh perspectives she will bring to our organizations."
"Joining these boards is an incredible honor," said Maureen. "I'm passionate about the food industry and look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of these exceptional companies. I'm also very much looking forward to collaborating with my new board colleagues and the talented leadership teams at Palmer Foods and G&C."
Maureen's appointment comes at a pivotal time for both Palmer Food Services and G&C Food Distributors as they continue to expand their operations and explore new opportunities in the food and beverage market.
Campbell's Meals & Beverages Division adds new SVP
Campbell Soup Company today announced the appointment of Jill Pratt as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer of its Meals & Beverages division, effective July 29, 2024.
Pratt will lead the U.S. Consumer Experience team for Campbell’s Meals & Beverages division, partnering with the Category and Sales teams to attract new consumers and strengthen customer partnerships. She will be responsible for driving profitable growth, relevance and the continued modernization of an iconic portfolio of brands, including Campbell’s, Chunky, Michael Angelo’s, noosa, Pace, Pacific Foods, Prego, Rao’s, Swanson, SpaghettiOs and V8. She will elevate the division’s consumer and shopper insights to drive action, develop a robust innovation pipeline, and strengthen the company’s integrated marketing efforts and capabilities. Pratt will join the Campbell Leadership Team and will report to Mick Beekhuizen, Executive Vice President and President, Meals & Beverages.
“With our portfolio of iconic and distinctive brands, Campbell’s Meals & Beverages division is transforming our categories to accelerate growth with our retail customers,” said Beekhuizen. “Our Consumer Experience team plays a significant role in elevating our brands by engaging existing shoppers and attracting the next generation of consumers. I’m confident Jill’s leadership will take our marketing to the next level.”
Pratt is an award-winning marketer and accomplished leader with deep experience in consumer packaged goods. She joins Campbell from Heatonist, a company that partners with hot sauce makers to bring new flavors to market. Prior to Heatonist, Pratt served as the first global Chief Marketing Officer of McCormick & Company, which she joined in 2008 and held roles of increasing responsibility in brand marketing and general management.
While at McCormick, she served as Vice President and General Manager of Zatarain’s and supported the integration of French’s and Frank’s RedHot sauce, McCormick’s largest acquisition. She also led Marketing Excellence for the company, designing and building the global marketing function before she was promoted to CMO. Prior to McCormick, Pratt held several marketing roles at Procter & Gamble. She earned her B.S. degree in Commerce, with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Virginia and her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, graduating with distinction.
Pratt succeeds Linda Lee, who has decided to leave the organization.
Beekhuizen said, “I’d like to thank Linda for her contributions over the last five years in modernizing our brands and fueling our business. I wish her all the best.”
Gong cha taps new VP to expand franchises in the Americas
Gong cha, a global bubble tea brand with more than 230 locations throughout 20 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico in the U.S., and nearly 2,200 stores across the globe, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Treptow as Vice President of Franchise Sales & Development for the Americas. A seasoned executive in franchise sales and development, Treptow brings a wealth of experience and a track record of transforming emerging restaurant concepts into large national and international brands.
Before joining Gong cha, Treptow served as Senior Director at Fransmart, a leading franchise development company. During his over 14-year tenure, Treptow was instrumental in the franchise success stories of several prominent brands. He played a pivotal role in the transformation of Freshii from a handful of units into a publicly traded company with over 400 locations across 20 countries. Additionally, he helped grow The Halal Guys from a street cart in NYC to an internationally recognized brand and facilitated the expansion of Rise Biscuits & Chicken from a single location to 160+ units in development across 14 states.
In his new role at Gong cha, Treptow will leverage his extensive industry knowledge and strategic vision to drive the brand’s growth and success throughout the Americas. His relentless pursuit of excellence and keen eye for emerging trends position him as an invaluable asset to the Gong cha team as the company continues to expand its franchise network.
In addition to continuing to build on the brand’s established presence coast to coast, Gong cha is starting to target more of the top 50 metropolitan areas of the country. As Vice President of Franchise Sales & Development, Treptow will oversee all aspects of franchise development, including identifying and securing new franchise partners, supporting existing franchisees, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive the brand’s expansion.
"We are thrilled to welcome Mark Treptow to the Gong cha family," says Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. "Mark's impressive track record and deep understanding of the franchise landscape will be crucial as we launch our direct franchising efforts here in the U.S. His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our brand as we look to partner with experienced multi-unit and multi-brand operators."
