DEERFIELD, Ill. — This week Mondelez announced a shift in its leadership. Glen Walter has been named EVP and president North America beginning in November. Walter was previously the CEO of Coca-Cola Industries China. In joining Mondelez, he will now be leading the company's $7 billion business in the United States and Canada, which includes such brands as as Oreo, belVita biscuits, Triscuit and Good Thins crackers, Trident gum and Halls cough drops.
"I'm thrilled to join Mondelez International and begin working with the leadership team to grow the North American business on both the top and bottom lines," Walter said. "I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to shape the future for our unparalleled portfolio of iconic brands."
Walter will be succeeding Tim Colfer, who led the North American leadership role on an interim basis in April. He will now return full time to his responsibilities as chief growth officer.
"I'm thankful for Tim's efforts in leading the North America business in addition to his critically important role as chief growth officer," chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld, said. "In his brief time in the region, Tim has driven a new level of discipline across the business while generating strong plans for future growth and executional excellence."
Valerie Oswalt, the current president of North America sales has been named the new president NA Confectionery beginning Jan. 1, 2018. Oswalt has been part of the company since 1996, playing a key leadership role in establishing two distinct, world-class consumer teams and retail sales organizations to support the Kraft Foods Group spinoff in 2012.
Previously, Valerie held the role at Mondelez of Walmart consumer VP of beverage and grocery, where she and her impressive team improved the share growth for the business, earning them the title of Walmart’s “Supplier of the Year.”
Matthew Eckard also has been named president North America sales based in East Hanover, N.J., effective Jan. 1, 2018. Formerly the VP sales, west area, Eckard has been part of the company since 1992.
In 2012, he played a role in establishing Mondelez International as a stand-alone DSD route-to-market business after the spinoff of Kraft Foods Group. Eckard also worked internationally as director business development for Tassimo, operating across various country business units in Europe and North America to oversee the launch of this hot beverage system.