Irene Chang Britt

After more than 30 years with the company, Pat Callaghan is stepping down as president of Pepperidge Farm.

His successor, Irene Chang Britt, is scheduled to assume his position at the start of Campbell Soup Co.'s next fiscal year.

Callaghan will serve as a special advisor to the ceo until Nov. 1, when he will retire from Campbell.

Callaghan joined the Pepperidge Farm sales team in 1979, and has been president since 2006. Since becoming president, Pepperidge Farm has introduced a range of new products, including "Milano Melts," "Baked Naturals Snack Crackers," and "Cracker Chips.”

"Under Pat's leadership, Pepperidge Farm has developed a culture of consumer-focused innovation, strengthened its brands and delivered consistently strong business results with seven consecutive years of top-line, bottom-line and market share growth,” says Denise Morrison, Campbell’s president and ceo. “In addition to his many business accomplishments, Pat has been a coach and mentor to countless people in our organization. We wish him and his family well in his retirement.”

Britt, who will be report to Morrison from Pepperidge Farm’s headquarters in Norwalk, Conn., will be responsible for the company’s nine manufacturing facilities and nearly 5,000 U.S. employees. Other responsibilities will include developing Campbell's global baking and snacking strategy and building on the collaboration already established between Pepperidge Farm and Arnott's.

Britt joined Campbell in 2005, and became senior vice president and chief strategy officer in October 2010. She also oversaw responsibility for the U.S. Beverage portfolio and the Prego and Pace sauces businesses.

Before Campbell, Britt spent eight years with Kraft Foods, where she was senior vice president and general manager of the Post cereal division. Before Kraft, she spent 12 years at Kimberly-Clark. Britt is also member of the Board of Directors of Sunoco, Inc.

"Throughout her career, Irene has consistently grown businesses through a focus on brand building and innovation,” says Morrison. “Irene's relentless focus on the consumer, track record of successful innovation and delivery of business results make her an ideal candidate to succeed Pat."

 Campbell Soup Company acquired Pepperidge Farm in 1961, and is currently the third global player in the baked snacks category.