Operations

Lynn Gust, 59, has been senior vice president of operations since 2011. He started his career with Fred Meyer as a parcel clerk in 1970.

Some things are simply out of our control. Find out how the earthquake that hit Japan literally shook the Tobacco market in 2011.

Last year, Stanley Black & Decker proved to be the runaway hit with greater than 100 percent growth. This year, the playing field has evened out.

Merger and acquisitions continue to transform the beverage list year after year, but growth remains steady for the majority. Look back at how the major beverage leaders grew market share in 2011.

Dean Foods will use substantially all of the net proceeds from the sale of Morningstar to significantly reduce outstanding debt, resulting in a stronger balance sheet and increased flexibility to execute against our strategies for our core dairy business.

The retirement of the Executive Vice President and President, Developing Markets, sparks an effort to streamline the company's operating unit structure given the size and importance of Developing Markets to future growth.

The transaction creates one of the largest packaged food companies in North America, with sales of approximately $18 billion annually. It will also position ConAgra Foods as the largest private label packaged food business in North America, with combined private label sales of approximately $4.5 billion.

The former P&G executive will be responsible for global management of Avon's brand and marketing, including consumer insights, commercial marketing, digital marketing, and product category strategy and execution. She will also have oversight of Avon research & development, new product development and packaging, and the Liz Earle business.