After a six-month vacancy, Kraft Foods has named Mary Beth West as its new chief marketing officer.

Kraft announced the promotion yesterday. The post is effectively immediately.

In her new role, West is responsible for consumer insights & strategy, integrated marketing communications, consumer services, and sustainability. She will also oversee the Tassimo hot beverage business on a global basis, the company said. She reports to Irene Rosenfeld, Kraft’s chairman and chief executive officer.

West replaces Jeri B. Finard who left after seven months on the job for personal reasons in April (Promo Xtra, April 16, 2007).
http://promomagazine.com/news/kraftcmodeparts04-16-07/index.html

West, a 21-year veteran of Kraft, held a number of marketing positions, including vice president of marketing and consumer promotion. She most recently worked as group vice president of Kraft Foods and president of North America beverages in which she oversaw coffee and other beverage brands.

She is credited for helping drive the firm’s powdered beverages to nearly a 9% annual growth rate with double-digit gains in the “On the Go” single-serve, drink stick category with new product innovations. In addition, West helped revitalize the Tassimo brand domestically, Kraft said.

West joined the company as an associate product manager for Maxwell House coffee in 1986.

After a six-month vacancy, Kraft Foods yesterday named company veteran Mary Beth West as its new chief marketing officer.

The post takes effect immediately, the company said.

In her new role, West is responsible for consumer insights and strategy, integrated marketing communications, consumer services, and sustainability. She also oversees the Tassimo hot beverage business on a global basis, the company said. West reports to Irene Rosenfeld, Kraft’s chairman and chief executive officer.

West replaces Jeri B. Finard who left after seven months on the job for personal reasons in April (Promo Xtra, April 16, 2007).

West, a 21-year veteran of Kraft, held a number of marketing positions, including vice president of marketing and consumer promotion. She most recently worked as group vice president of Kraft Foods and president of North America beverages in which she oversaw coffee and other beverage brands.

She is credited with helping drive the firm’s powdered beverages to a nearly 9% annual growth rate with double-digit gains in the “On the Go” single-serve, drink stick category with new product innovations. In addition, West helped revitalize the Tassimo brand domestically, Kraft said.

West joined the company as an associate product manager for Maxwell House coffee in 1986.