The J.M. Smucker Co. has promoted John Brase to the role of president and chief operating officer, effective April 30.
Brase has served as the company’s COO since 2020. He joined the company with more than three decades of experience in the consumer goods industry, including significant work across brand management, business operations, manufacturing, marketing and sales.
In this expanded role, Brase will continue to have oversight of the company’s U.S. Retail Coffee, U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads, U.S. Retail Pet Foods and Sweet Baked Snacks segments and its international and away-from-home businesses, as well as the company’s sales, operations and supply chain functions, while expanding his support of growing and delivering the business.
His expanded responsibilities will include participation in certain external engagements and industry associations that will support in broadening the company’s influence with its constituents. Brase will continue to report to Mark Smucker, chair of the board and CEO.
“This promotion acknowledges the breadth of John’s responsibilities and the positive impact he’s had on our business performance over the past five years. It also supports the ongoing development of our executive talent, as we continue to position the organization for long-term growth and success,” Smucker said.
Since joining the company, Brase has been integral to sharpening the strategic and operational execution of the company’s organization and portfolio. His focus on growth brands, simplification and passionate leadership have been central to the company’s business delivery and momentum. He also played a leading role in the introduction of the company’s transformation office, which has generated significant cost savings and productivity improvements that have supported strong bottom-line performance while providing resources to invest in the business.
“The Smucker portfolio is synonymous with everyday brands consumers love, and I’m incredibly energized to take on these additional responsibilities and to continue to work closely with Mark and the entire team as we further advance our strategy and build on our key growth platforms,” Brase said.
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