Camden, New Jersey-based Campbell Soup Company has announced that Bennett Dorrance will retire from its board of directors.
Dorrance is the longest-serving member of the board, with 33 years of service. He was elected in 1989, was vice chairman from 1993-96 and has served on all the board’s standing committees. Most recently, Dorrance was a member of the board’s compensation, organization and governance committees.
“Since joining the board, Bennett has helped to grow and protect Campbell’s legacy and guide management through many chapters,” said Keith R. McLoughlin, chair. “On behalf of Campbell and my fellow board members, we thank him for his many contributions to the company and wish him and his family the very best in his retirement.”
Dorrance is the grandson of John T. Dorrance, the inventor of condensed soup and president of the company from 1914-30, and the son of John T. Dorrance Jr., a former chair of the company from 1962-84. As a major shareholder, Dorrance has provided extensive knowledge of Campbell’s history, organization and culture to his work. As the managing director and co-founder of the real estate development firm DMB Associates, Dorrance also provided business, entrepreneurial and operational expertise.
“Bennett’s commitment to Campbell’s heritage, to our purpose and values, and to our iconic brands has been extraordinary,” said Mark Clouse, president and CEO. “As a long-term shareholder, Bennett has been dedicated to the success of the business and continuing the legacy of his grandfather and father as a steward of Campbell’s long-term interests. His positive impact on the company will last far beyond his tenure on the board.”
The board has also announced that it elected his son, Bennett Dorrance Jr., an entrepreneur who has invested in many for-profit and non-profit enterprises focused on sustainability, land management, health and wellness.
Dorrance Jr. is a managing director for the DFE Trust Company and VP of the Dorrance Family Foundation, which supports education, natural resource conservation and programs that improve quality of life in Arizona, California and Hawaii. He is the co-founder and board member of Kohala Institute in North Kohala, Hawaii, which supports local farmers, local schools, alternative energy initiatives, and land and historic preservation.
Dorrance Jr. is also a member of the board of directors of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University.
“We are excited to welcome Bennett to the Campbell Board,” McLoughlin said. “Like his father, Bennett has a deep appreciation of Campbell’s history and passion for the business. His expertise in sustainability and entrepreneurship will be an asset to the board.”
For more information, visit campbellsoupcompany.com.
