Kellogg Co on Wednesday named Gary Pilnick, a 22-year veteran of the company and current chief legal officer, as the designated head of its North America Cereal business, which it plans to spin off next year.
"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 Gary Pilnick, chief executive officer of North America Cereal Co.
"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."
Kellogg said in June it would split into three independent companies, separating its North America cereal arm and plant-based food unit from its high growth snacking business.
Read More: Kellogg To Focus On Snacks With Surprise Three-Way Split
Smooth Spin Off
Pilnick is now tasked with ensuring a smooth spin off of brands such as Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops at a time when rampant inflation threatens to push more Americans toward cheaper store-brand cereals.
A key executive in a number of Kellogg's strategic initiatives over the years, Pilnick spearheaded the acquisition of potato chips maker Pringles from Procter & Gamble Co and the company's expansion into Africa.
Other Announcements
Kellogg also announced Dave McKinstray, who has previously served in multiple executive finance roles, as finance chief of the new cereal company.
It named insiders Sherry Brice-Williamson and Doug VanDeVelde as the new firm's chief supply chain officer and chief growth officer, respectively.
Read More: Kellogg Reports Strong Q2 Results, Raises Full-Year Outlook
News by Reuters, additional reporting and edited by Donna Ahern, Checkout. For more A-brand stories, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
