BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — At the start of next year, Kellogg Co. is slated to usher in a new chief executive officer.
The food company said David Mackay plans to retire as president, chief executive officer and director effective Jan. 1. According to its succession plan, the Kellogg board elected John Bryant, chief operating officer and current board member, to become the new president and CEO effective Jan. 2.
Plans call for Mackay to work closely with Bryant and the team to ensure a smooth transition through March 31, according to Kellogg.
"I have had the distinct privilege of working for this great company over the past 20 years and serving as its CEO for the past four years," Mackay said in a statement. "This past summer, I became eligible to retire and made a commitment to spend more time with my family. I am pleased to pass the baton to John, whose management capabilities and wealth of experience have prepared him well to drive our business agenda for 2011 and beyond."
Bryant joined Kellogg in 1998 and has held numerous leadership roles. During his tenure with the company, he has led the Kellogg North America and Kellogg International business units, served as chief financial officer from 2002 to 2004 as well as from 2006 to 2009, and assumed his current role of chief operating officer in 2008. Most recently, in July, he was also elected to the board.
"John has played a central role in our strategic and operational plans over the past decade. His leadership style embodies the Kellogg spirit and values," stated Kellogg chairman Jim Jenness. "The board and I are confident that his depth of knowledge and understanding of our business, our customers, and our organization make him the right choice to lead our company."
With 2009 sales of nearly $13 billion, Kellogg is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles, and veggie foods. Its roster of brands includes Kellogg’s, Keebler, Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Cheez-It, Nutri-Grain, Rice Krispies, BearNaked, Morningstar Farms, Famous Amos, Special K, All-Bran, Frosted Mini-Wheats, Club and Kashi.
"I’m excited to lead this great company with its 31,000 talented employees and more than 100-year legacy of beloved brands," Bryant commented. "The confidence bestowed upon me is immense, and I am honored and humbled to have been elected to serve in this capacity. We have a strong leadership team in place, and we are committed to delivering long-term, sustainable results."
