Food People: Wal-Mart, Simplot, Heinz, Campbell

(MoneyWatch)  Wal-Mart Names New Top Lawyer Jeff Gearhart has been promoted to executive vice president and general counsel at Wal-Mart.

But where, Law.com's David Hechler wanted to know, does that leave the man Gearhart is replacing as the head lawyer of the world's largest grocer? Tom Mars was promoted as well, to a new position of chief administration officer, U.S.

But Wal-Mart has been vague in describing Mars' new duties. He will, according to a news release, be responsible for "key human resource functions" in the U.S. division. That will include diversity, compensation and employment policies.

Sounds like Mars might simply have been kicked upstairs.

Gearhart joined Wal-Mart in 2003 and has been a senior vice president and deputy general counsel since 2007.

Before Wal-Mart, he practiced at a Little Rock, Ark., law firm and counted Wal-Mart among his clients.

According to Law.com, he has worked hard to make Wal-Mart's historically lily-white in-house legal department more diverse. [Source: Law.com]


Whitacre Named Simplot CEO JR Simplot announced that Bill Whitacre, president of the company's AgriBusiness Group, would take over as CEO.

Whitacre replaces Larry Hlobik, who is retiring. Whitacre joined Simplot in 2000 president of the turf and horticultural division

[Source: Agweek]

Heinz CEO on UPS Board William Johnson, chairman and CEO of HJ Heinz, was named to the board of United Parcel Service as an independent director.

Johnson also serves on the boards of Emerson Electric and the Grocery Manufacturers of America.

[Source: Business First of Louisville]


Campbell Names China Manager Peter Foylston has been named as Campell Soup's general manager for greater China. He will be responsible for development and operations in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

[Source: Campbell Soup]