HAUPPAUGE, NY – Walkers Shortbread, Inc., the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Scotland-based Walkers Shortbread Ltd. today announced the appointment of Mark Kleinman as CEO, effective January 1, 2016. Kleinman, who held senior posts at ConAgra Foods, Groupe Danone and Novartis, has joined the company and is working closely with current CEO Steve Dawson.
During Dawson’s eight-year tenure as CEO, Walkers U.S. business has experienced consistent growth. The 117-year-old, family-owned brand, commonly referred to as The World’s Finest Shortbread, has seen points of distribution and purchase frequency grow in all channels: grocery, mass, drug, club, ecommerce, and specialty. Dawson led the recent successful U.S. launch of Walkers line of gluten-free products, and developed partnerships with Outlander, the Starz hit series based in Scotland, and the ASPCA.
“The U.S. is the largest export market for Walkers, and we are grateful for Steve’s skilled and effective leadership over the past eight years,” said Jim Walker, Joint Managing Director, Walkers Shortbread Ltd. “As a family company, what is most important to us is the strength of our relationships with customers and consumers. If you maintain those, then sales will follow. Steve has certainly been a great ambassador for the Walkers brand, and we will miss him.”
Dawson cited the brand’s exceptional sales momentum, consumer loyalty and growing, compelling social media presence as evidence of the brand’s strong U.S. health and prospects. “This is a good time to pass leadership of our dedicated U.S. sales, marketing and customer service team to Mark, who instinctively knows what makes for great, enduring consumer brands, said Dawson. “My eight years at Walkers, backed by the long term vision and commitment of the Walker family, have been an honor and pleasure.”
Kleinman has made a marked and lasting impact on top consumer brands. In 10 years with Groupe Danone, Kleinman led the product development and launch of Dannon Light Yogurt in the USA and served in General Management, Sales, and Marketing leadership roles in the UK, Canada, and the USA. With ConAgra Foods, Kleinman served as EVP/GM of the $180 million Hebrew National business unit, where he and his team grew brand sales and household penetration and accelerated profit growth. Kleinman also served at Novartis as VP/Marketing Head for Latin America, and held marketing and finance posts at Kraft General Foods early in his career.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with stewardship of the Walkers brand in the USA. I’ve long been a fan,” said Kleinman. “I look forward to working with Steve, the dedicated Walkers team, and Walkers business partners to chart a course for continued long term growth and development.”
About Walkers Shortbread
Walkers was founded in 1898 and is still a family owned and managed company. We proudly bake The World’s Finest Shortbread in our home village of Aberlour in the Scottish Highlands. Walkers is now sold in over 80 countries and is the leading brand of food exported from Scotland. Walkers Highlanders were recently awarded the highest possible accolade of Three Gold Stars at the International Taste and Quality Institute’s Superior Taste Awards. Our shortbread, cookies and oatcakes contain no artificial flavorings, colorings or additives, and are certified Kosher OUD. Walkers does not support the use of GM ingredients. For more information, please visit http://us.walkersshortbread.com/.
Source: Walkers Shortbread
