The J.M. Smucker Co. has elected Katie Williams as CMO, effective March 9, bringing more than 20 years of brand-building experience to the Orrville, Ohio-based food company.
Williams most recently served as U.S. chief marketing officer for Haleon, a multinational consumer health company, where she led commercial and brand strategy for a portfolio including Advil, Sensodyne, Tums, Emergen-C and Centrum. She will report to Mark Smucker, chief executive officer and chair of the board.
“We are thrilled to welcome Katie to the company. She brings deep expertise and a strong track record of building leading brands,” Smucker said. “I am confident she will help to advance our portfolio of leading brands forward and elevate our world-class marketing capabilities.”
Before Haleon spun off from parent company GSK in 2022, Williams served as U.S. CMO for GSK. Earlier in her career, she held marketing leadership positions at Mondelēz and Kraft Heinz.
“Throughout my career, I have relentlessly focused on driving sustainable brand growth and building high-performing teams. I look forward to continuing this work at Smucker,” Williams said. “I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as a steward for this incredible portfolio and to support this team’s continued success in building brands consumers love.”
Gail Hollander, who previously announced her intent to retire as CMO, will remain with the organization in an advisory role until April 30.
The J.M. Smucker Co. offers brands across North America including Folgers, Dunkin’, Café Bustelo, Jif, Uncrustables, Smucker’s, Hostess, Milk-Bone and Meow Mix. The company leads in the coffee, peanut butter, fruit spreads, frozen handheld, sweet baked goods, dog snacks and cat food categories.
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