Irene Rosenfeld is a 29-year veteran of the food and beverage industry. She exudes a passion for driving business results by understanding consumer needs, constantly innovating and making truly delicious foods.
Irene came home to Kraft Foods in June 2006 as CEO and assumed the additional post of Chairman in March 2007, following the company’s spin off from Altria Group. Upon rejoining the company, Irene announced a new recipe for success – a three-year turnaround plan designed to drive Kraft Foods’ profitable growth. And, with the February 2010 acquisition of Cadbury, Kraft Foods is now a $48 billion, global powerhouse in snacks, confectionery and quick meals.
Irene began her career at Dancer Fitzgerald Sample advertising agency, working in consumer research. She then joined General Foods, which later became part of Kraft Foods. Among her many accomplishments at Kraft Foods, Irene led the restructuring and turnaround of key businesses in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Career highlights also include serving on the team that spearheaded the company’s initial public offering in 2001 and successfully integrated the Nabisco and LU biscuits businesses.
From 2004 to 2006, Irene was Chairman and CEO of Frito-Lay. While there, she accelerated growth in better-for-you products and developed a pipeline of successful health and wellness offerings.
Forbes has named Irene one of the world’s “100 Most Powerful Women” and Fortune ranks her No. 2 on its “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” list.
Irene is active in a number of industry and community organizations, including The Economic Club of Chicago. She also serves on the Grocery Manufacturers Association Board of Directors and the Cornell University Board of Trustees.
Career at a Glance
Irene Rosenfeld was appointed Chairman of Kraft Foods in March 2007. She was named Chief Executive Officer of Kraft Foods in June 2006.
During her 20+ years with Kraft, Irene has held a number of positions, including:
- President, North American Businesses
- Group Vice President, Kraft Foods North America, and President, Operations, Technology, Information Systems, Kraft Foods Canada, Mexico & Puerto Rico
- President, Kraft Canada
- Executive Vice President and General Manager, Desserts
- Marketing Director, Beverages
She holds a Ph.D. in Marketing and Statistics, a Master of Science in Business, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cornell University.
Five Facts From Irene
Childhood career ambition: President of the United States… really!
Favorite Kraft product: I love so many of our products, but if I had to pick my favorite it would be Kraftmacaroni and cheese, although Oreo cookies are high up on the list too.
Why I am passionate about my job:
It’s great to go to cocktail parties where everyone has an opinion about what you do. But I really enjoy figuring out why people behave the way they do and then using those insights to develop new products or build stronger relationships with our consumers.
It’s great to go to cocktail parties where everyone has an opinion about what you do. But I really enjoy figuring out why people behave the way they do and then using those insights to develop new products or build stronger relationships with our consumers.
Hobbies: I play the piano and enjoy rollerblading – preferably on recently paved paths.
Something that few people know about you: Growing up, I was extremely athletic – and very competitive. I played four varsity sports in high school and went to Cornell because they had a fabulous women’s athletic program (and the academics weren’t bad either).
