Kraft Appoints New CMO

Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods Group Inc. has appointed Deanie Elsner to the newly created role of chief marketing officer.

Reporting directly to CEO Tony Vernon, Elsner will be responsible for building on the strength of Kraft’s brands through the development of world-class marketing and innovation that drives consumer engagement and contributes to the company’s volume and revenue growth.

“Kraft is focusing its resources and energies on leveraging our great brands, people and innovation to drive growth,” Vernon said. “Establishing the CMO position will enable us to harness the power of these tremendous assets. Deanie is uniquely qualified to pioneer this role given her success in building some of the world's most iconic brands throughout her 20-year career at Kraft.”

With Kraft since 1992, Elsner most recently served as president of Kraft’s beverages business, where she was responsible for the manufacturing, marketing and sales of Maxwell House coffee, Kool-Aid, Capri Sun, Country Time, Crystal Light, Gevalia and Tassimo. Under her leadership, the beverages business achieved one of the most successful new product introductions in Kraft’s history with the launch of MiO, a liquid water enhancer on pace to exceed $200 million in revenues.

Elsner previously managed Kraft’s European coffee business, and is credited with having orchestrated its turnaround while establishing a roadmap for category success. Before that, she served in numerous brand-management positions at the company.

“I look forward to applying my knowledge of this business and its iconic brands to market and deliver innovative products that are in sync with today's consumer lifestyles,” Elsner said.

Prior to joining Kraft, Elsner worked in sales for Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.

Replacing Elsner is Dino Bianco, who will serve as EVP and president of beverages and Canada. With Kraft since 1990, he most recently served as EVP and president, national businesses and marketing services. Bianco served as president of Kraft Canada for seven years, and prior to that served in finance, marketing and sales roles for the company. His beverage experience includes responsibility for the retail coffee business as director of marketing and later as VP of marketing with responsibility for beverages, desserts, grocery and cereals.