Irene Rosenfeld biography
Date of birth : 1953-05-03
Date of death : -
Birthplace : New York, U.S.
Nationality : American
Category : Famous Figures
Last modified : 2010-10-07
Credited as : Businesswoman, CEO of Kraft Foods Inc, “100 Most Powerful Women”
3 votes so far
She was born in Brooklyn, and later brought up in Westbury on Long Island to parents Seymour and Joan Blecker, a young Jewish couple. Her father’s parents were Romanian Jews, her mother’s grandparents - German Jews.
In 2004, Rosenfeld was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, where she focused on promoting healthy products.
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.
