General Mills, Inc.

The proposed acquisition will expand General Mills fast-growing natural and organic foods business, and has an aggregate value of approximately $820 million.

Current CEO Gary M. Rodkin has informed the ConAgra Foods Board of Directors of his intention to retire at the end of the companys fiscal year in May 2015.

General Mills Worldwide Innovation Network announces the launch of a global innovation challenge to reduce greenhouse gases.

The focus is on developing high-quality products for Chinese consumers including snacks, convenient meals, yogurt and super-premium ice cream.

General Mills is tapping into the latest consumer-driven food trends with its new lineup of more than 150 product innovations launching this summer.

Previously at Schwans, the exec helped revitalize the pizza business by repositioning iconic brands like Red Baron and Freschetta, including launching new advertising and bringing consumer driven innovation.

The new executive will lead the largest business unit for McCormick and will report directly to Lawrence Kurzius, President Global Consumer and CAO.

Since starting its G-WIN open innovation strategy in 2007, General Mills has successfully launched a wide range of new grain snacks developed in collaboration with strategic external partners.