J.M. Smucker capitalizes with continuity of leadership.

The J. M. Smucker Company has announced the retirement of a corporate officer, along with several executive appointments made by the company’s board of directors.

The company has announced that Vincent Byrd, vice chairman, will be retiring on June 10, 2016, following 39 years with the company. Byrd, who is also a member of the company’s board of directors, has served in a number of leadership roles during his career with the company, most recently as its president and chief operating officer. Byrd will continue to co-lead the integration and synergy efforts of the Big Heart Pet Brands acquisition, until his retirement.

“On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Vince Byrd for his 39 years of dedicated service to the Smucker Company,” said Richard Smucker, CEO.  “Vince is a highly respected leader, not only within the company but throughout the CPG industry, particularly with the many customers and strategic partners with whom he has built and nurtured meaningful relationships. We truly appreciate all of Vince’s valuable contributions, which have helped shape the company we are today.”

Effective March 1, 2016, Barry Dunaway will assume the role of president, Big Heart Pet Food and Snacks. Dunaway has 28 years of experience with the company in a variety of management roles and currently serves as president, international and chief administrative officer. In his current role, Dunaway has responsibility for the company’s merger and acquisition strategy, among other responsibilities, which has included significant involvement in the company’s acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands and ongoing integration activities.

Dunaway will succeed David J. West, who currently serves as president, Big Heart Pet Food and Snacks. West has held this role since joining the company in March 2015. Dunaway and West will work together to transition responsibilities, beginning Jan. 1, 2016. On March 1, 2016, West will assume the role of strategic advisor to the executive committee. At the conclusion of his employment agreement, on April 30, 2016, West will remain a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, advising in areas that include corporate strategy and growth capabilities.

The company also announced that, effective Jan. 1, 2016, Mark Belgya, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will be promoted and have expanded responsibilities that now also include the company’s government and industry affairs, Information Services, and Corporate Strategy departments. Belgya has 30 years of experience with the company, serving in a number of leadership roles within the company’s finance organization.

“Continuity of leadership and the ability to capitalize on the deep bench strength of our organization have been important factors behind our company’s success and will remain key elements of our plans to support long-term growth,” said Richard Smucker, CEO. “We are confident in the proven abilities of our leadership team, along with the talented employees that support them, to continue to strengthen and grow our company.  In addition, we are excited that Dave West will continue serving the company as a director following his decision to transition into the next chapter of his career.”

Dunaway, West and Belgya will continue to report to Richard Smucker in their new roles.