President of Mondelez’s North American division leaves post
Chief Growth Officer Tim Cofer to serve in interim.
Mondelez International’s North America division will have new leadership.
The Deerfield, Ill.-based confectionery and snack giant announced Tuesday that Roberto Marques, executive v.p. and president, North America, will leave the company. Chief Growth Officer Tim Cofer will fill the role in the interim.
A reason for Marques’ departure was not outlined in a news release, but Irene Rosenfeld, chairman and ceo, said the company’s North American division has been experiencing change.
"Over the past two years under Roberto Marques' leadership, the North American team has been executing a large transformation, which has resulted in significant progress on our margin agenda, while stepping up our participation in growth areas such as well-being, broader channel penetration, especially in e-commerce, as well as entering the U.S. chocolate market," she says. "We appreciate Roberto's many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors."
Marques will work with Cofer over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition, the release said. Cofer, who has led the company's divisions for Europe, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe, and Middle East and Africa, will continue spearheading the company's global growth strategy, while Mondelez recruits a permanent successor to lead the North America region.
"While mobilizing our enterprise growth agenda remains a top priority for both me and the company, I'm looking forward to leading the North America business on an interim basis and working with the team to capitalize on the potential of our business in the U.S. and Canada," Cofer says.
The announcement comes a week and a half after the Wall Street Journal reported the company has begun the process to replace Rosenfeld. The newspaper said Mondelez has retained Heidrick & Struggles International, an executive search firm.
Last fall, the company announced plans to expand its presence in the U.S. chocolate market by introducing to the United States an Oreo-based candy bar available in 20 countries and expand offerings through its premium chocolate line, Green & Black's.
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