Business News
Paul Maass Promoted to President, Commercial Foods; Bill Stoufer Promoted to President, ConAgra Mills
Thursday 21. October 2010 - Current Commercial Foods President Rob Sharpe to Retire at Fiscal Year-End
ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG) announced today that Paul Maass has been promoted to president, Commercial Foods, effective immediately. Maass will take over leadership of the Commercial Foods segment from Rob Sharpe, who announced last week his intention to retire at the end of the companys fiscal year (May 29, 2011). As president of Commercial Foods, Maass will be responsible for almost 35 percent of ConAgra Foods annual revenue and will lead the Lamb Weston, ConAgra Mills, Spicetec Flavors and Seasonings and J.M. Swank businesses.
Sharpe will continue to serve as senior adviser to Chief Executive Officer Gary Rodkin. Bill Stoufer, currently vice president of Supply Chain for ConAgra Mills, will take over as president, ConAgra Mills, effective immediately.
Maass joined ConAgra Foods in 1988 as a commodity merchandiser in the trading business. He quickly progressed in several roles at the company and, in 2003, was named president and general manager of ConAgra Mills. He assumed responsibility for J.M. Swank in 2007 and for Spicetec Flavors & Seasonings in 2010.
“Paul has done an excellent job with ConAgra Mills, leading that business to strong results, developing a capable team, and building a foundation for years to come,” said Rodkin. “Paul excels at leading and developing people, has a very deep and broad business understanding, and will be a truly valuable addition to our Senior Leadership Team.”
Stoufer has been with ConAgra Mills since 1991. As vice president, Supply Chain, he had broad operational responsibilities including margin management, transportation and logistics, customer operations and process improvement. In addition to his supply chain expertise, Stoufer spent a number of years in the sales arena for milling, starting as territory sales manager and progressing to director of sales, prior to his current role.
“Bill is a strong business leader who brings a wealth of in-depth knowledge and expertise to his new role as president of ConAgra Mills,” said Maass. “Bill is deeply familiar with both our customer and plant operations and is well-suited for this new and challenging role. I look forward to working with him to continue growing ConAgra Mills.”
Maass earned a bachelors degree in Agricultural Business from Iowa State University. He currently provides industry leadership by serving as chairman of the North American Millers Association, the trade association representing the wheat, corn, oat and rye milling industry. Maass also serves on the Board of Directors for the Grain Foods Foundation and the Nebraska Chapter of the March of Dimes.
Stoufer earned his bachelors degree from the business college at Iowa State University.