Kellogg Company to Overhaul North America Cereal Leadership Amid Restructure

Gary Pilnick

Pilnick will be taking on the role of CEO. He has been with Kellogg's for over a 22-year span, holding an executive committee position since 2003. He is currently the company’s vice chairman, corporate development and chief legal officer. He has played a leading role in the separation of Kellogg’s three independent companies. 

Kellogg’s has tapped Pilnick for his experience in shaping the company’s growth portfolio, taking lead on several strategic initiatives like the acquisition of Pringles and Kellogg’s expansion into Africa. He also brings a deep understanding of corporate strategy, M&A, legal, investor relations, and supply chain.

Previously, he held leadership roles at Specialty Foods Corporation and Sara Lee Corporation.

"I am honored and humbled to have been named chief executive officer of North America Cereal Co. and to have the opportunity to carry forward this portfolio of beloved brands with their rich tradition and heritage of innovation," said Pilnick. "The remarkable story of Kellogg Company began with cereal, and through more than a century of operational success, we have the privilege of taking what has grown into a $2.4 billion business on its next journey as North America Cereal Co.”

“We are excited by its potential as an independent company, and I am confident that the world-class experience and track records of the people joining me on the leadership team will ensure we fulfill that potential,” Pilnick added. “With these appointments, we have the foundation in place to ensure the business thrives as we build a new legacy inspired by what W.K. Kellogg created. We are all eager and ready to unlock the potential of what we see as a 116-year-old startup with some of the most powerful consumer brands." 

Dave McKinstray

McKinstray will be the company’s chief financial officer. He is currently the company’s vice president of integrated business planning, but has held several chief financial officer roles over the past 15 years with Kellogg and brings experience across risk management, treasury, and corporate and financial planning.

Previous roles included positions in commodity risk management and trading.

Sherry Brice-Williamson

Brice-Williamson will take on the role of chief supply chain officer of North America Cereal Co. She is currently the vice president of global food safety and quality at Kellogg, where she leads quality and compliance on a global scale. Brice-Williamson has been with the company since the acquisition of Pringles from Procter & Gamble, where she served in multiple supply chain roles over 14 years. 

Doug VanDeVelde

VanDeVelde is currently the general manager of Kellogg's U.S. Cereal business and will be taking on the position of chief growth officer of North America Cereal Co. In his new role, VanDeVelde will be focusing on marketing, R&D, revenue growth management, and insights and analytics. 

He has been with the company for more than 25 years, working through roles such as senior vice president of global breakfast category and senior vice president of marketing and innovation for U.S. Morning Foods. 

Bruce Brown

Brown is currently the vice president, customer strategy and planning at Kellogg. He has been with the company nearly 25 years, holding various leadership positions across sales and customer marketing in the cereal and snack segments.

Prior to Kellogg, Brown held sales roles at Mott's USA and The Dial Corporation.

Shannon Bible

Bible will be taking on the role of chief transformation officer. She is currently the senior director of strategic initiatives at the Kellogg Company, where she’s played a leading role in Kellogg’s restructuring. She oversaw the $1.3 billion sale of the Keebler business and has been with the company for nearly 10 years. 

"I am thrilled to announce the first key appointments to the future leadership team of North America Cereal Co.,” said Steve Cahillane, Kellogg Company's chairman and chief executive officer. He said Pilnick’s inspiring leadership and deep knowledge of the business make him a natural choice to lead North American Cereal Co.

"Gary and his team of seasoned leaders bring significant depth and breadth of experience and extensive knowledge to North America Cereal Co., all of which will enable the business to continue building momentum and capitalize on its compelling long-term opportunities for investment and profit growth, driven by its portfolio of iconic, world-class brands,” Cahillane added. “Notably, Gary was instrumental in some of our most successful strategic initiatives in recent years, including the acquisition of Pringles, which we see as a blueprint for the positive outcomes that arise when additional focus, attention, and investment are combined with world-class brands."

More About the Business Restructure

North America Cereal Co. will include a portfolio of leading brands such as Kellogg's, Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Mini-Wheats, Special K, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Kashi, and Bear Naked. The company is looking for greater strategic focus and operational flexibility by zoning in on North America Cereal Co. as a standalone company.

The company plans to make additional North America Cereal Co. executive leadership and board appointments as part of the separation process. The remainder of the Kellogg Company Executive Committee will remain with Global Snacking Co.