Irene Rosenfeld – BIO

Updated 12/05/2011

Irene Rosenfeld is currently Chairman and CEO of Krafts Foods Inc.  In 2012, once the company splits into two businesses, Rosenfeld will become the Chairman and CEO for the global snacks company.  At the time of the announcement, Mark Ketchum, Lead Director, Kraft Foods Inc. Board of Directors said the following about Rosenfeld:

“Irene was the obvious choice to lead the global snacks company,” said Ketchum.  “As a result of her bold vision, courage to transform Kraft Foods’ portfolio and investment in core brands and high-growth developing markets, we are now able to launch two formidable world-class companies.”

Rosenfeld’s penchant for boldness can be seen in this video which was filmed in 2010 at an HSM Management event.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Rosenfeld drives business results by understanding consumer needs, constantly innovating and making truly delicious foods.

Rosenfeld came home to Kraft Foods in June 2006 as CEO and became Chairman in March 2007, following the company's spin off from Altria Group.  Since then, Irene has fundamentally changed the face, footprint and prospects of Kraft Foods.  She has successfully repositioned the company to deliver consistent top-tier growth by reinvigorating iconic brands, transforming the portfolio and strengthening the company's presence in fast-growing developing markets.  The 2011 decision to create two independent public companies – a high-margin North American grocery business and a high-growth global snacks business – is the next exciting step in the company's evolution.

Rosenfeld began her career in consumer research at Dancer Fitzgerald Sample advertising agency.  She then joined General Foods, which later became part of Kraft Foods.  Irene led the restructuring and turnaround of key businesses in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.  She served on the team that spearheaded the company's IPO in 2001, and successfully integrated the Nabisco, LU and Cadbury businesses.

Rosenfeld left Kraft Foods in 2004, serving for two years as Chairman and CEO of Frito-Lay. While there, she accelerated growth in better-for-you products and health and wellness offerings.

The Financial Times and Fortune recently ranked Irene No. 1 on their “Top 50 Women in Global Business” and “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” lists, respectively.  Forbes has named Irene as one of the world’s “100 Most Powerful Women” for several years.

Irene holds a Ph.D. in Marketing and Statistics, an MS in Business Administration and a BA in Psychology – all from Cornell University.  She is active in a number of industry and community organizations, including The Economic Club of Chicago. She also serves on the Grocery Manufacturers Association Board of Directors and Cornell's Board of Trustees.