Operations

To position the company for future growth, Kraft Foods Group, Inc. has made several management changes. These newly created leadership positions reflect the company's commitment to accelerating the pace of change and improving execution.

The innovation engine for many companies is clearly sputtering. While improving consumer insight and portfolio management discipline is a clear necessity, Accenture believes equal focus should be put on improving R&D operations to become more effective and efficient.

J.M. Smucker Co. revealed a series of key executive promotions that will position the company for continued growth and success following its recent acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands.

Talking Rain announces the addition of John Peirano as Chief Marketing Officer who joins recent hire Marcus Smith as Chief Financial Officer, and recently promoted Michael Lowes as Chief Operating Officer.

Mars Chocolate North America announces that all 10 of its manufacturing facilities are now certified landfill-free, representing a significant milestone in achieving Mars goal of zero-waste-to-landfill by 2015.

The acquisition is expected to provide the company greater scale and strategic balance to its current portfolio while positioning it for continued growth.

Flowers Foods announced two executive transitions in the company's manufacturing leadership, effective immediately: Michael Beaty will retire in spring of 2015 and will serve as EVP until then. Robert Benton, Jr. will serve as SVP and chief manufacturing officer.

General Mills will close a cereal plant and a yogurt factory - eliminating up to 600 jobs - in an effort to cut costs and offset the sluggish U.S. demand for cereal and other packaged foods.