Dive Brief:
- ConAgra Foods has named Darren Serrao chief growth officer, the company's newly created position.
- In his new role, Serrao will be in charge of the Growth Center of Excellence at ConAgra Foods, which oversees insights, innovation, R&D, and marketing.
- Serrao comes from Campbell Soup, where he was the senior VP and chief marketing and commercial officer for Campbell's Americas Simple Meals and Beverages division. Prior to that position, Serrao served as Campbell's senior VP of innovation and business development, and in the past, he has also held various roles for other food and beverage companies, like PepsiCo Inc. and Unilever PLC.
Dive Insight:
This appointment is the latest in a bevy of changes by CEO Sean Connolly, who took his position in March. Last week, ConAgra announced the departure of chief marketing officer Joan Chow. The company isn't planning a CMO replacement, since marketing will be a part of the Growth Center of Excellence.
Instead, Serrao will lead the Growth Center of Excellence, which the marketing department will be a part of. The goal of the new entity is to join several departments to "improve connectivity and boost speed-to-market, ensuring strong insights lead to relevant and timely products with the right marketing support," according to a ConAgra news release.