The Supply Side briefs: Exec shifts and c-store sales

• Heinz gets new CEO
Bernardo Hees will become CEO of the H.J. Heinz Co. after the completion of Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital’s acquisition of the company.

Hees serves as CEO of Burger King Worldwide Inc. and has previously been chief executive of America Latina Logistica, Latin America’s largest railroad and logistics company.

“Bernardo is a proven executive with an unparalleled track record of delivering results,” said Alex Behring, managing partner at 3G Capital. “Over the past two and a half years at Burger King, Bernardo grew adjusted earnings by 44% from $454 million in 2010 to $652 million in 2012.”

“His combination of experience, leadership skills and broad understanding of the food industry make him the ideal leader to drive the next chapter in Heinz’s storied history.”

Hees will work closely with Heinz’s chairman, president and now CEO, Bill Johnson to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.”

Johnson will remain in his current role until the completion of the transaction. 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway said they will discuss with Johnson his interest in a continuing role with the company.

The transaction is still subject to shareholder approval and other closing conditions. The deal is expected to close by late summer or early fall.

Heinz is supplier to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. with a large sales office in Rogers.

• Convenience store sales set record in 2012
Sales for the convenience store industry were a record $700.3 billion for 2012, according to NACS' State of the Industry Summit. 

The industry also saw in-store sales increase 2.2%, to reach $199.3 billion in the past year, another record.

The overall sales reflect real growth per store, with sales outpacing the 0.7% increase in the number of U.S. c-stores in 2012, reported Convenience Store News.

• Ardent Mills names new chief financial officer
Brad Berentson, vice-president of finance for ConAgra Mills, has been named chief financial officer of the newly formed Ardent Mills, effective upon the close of the transaction that will create the new company.

Ardent Mills is the proposed new flour milling company that will combine the operations of ConAgra Mills and Horizon Milling, a joint venture between Cargill and CHS.
Berentson has more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, including more than 10 years with ConAgra Foods and 15 years with General Mills.

He will join Dan Dye and Bill Stoufer as members of the executive management team. Dye, currently the president of Horizon Milling, will be chief executive officer, and Stoufer, currently president of ConAgra Mills, will be chief operating officer and chief integration officer.

“Brad was selected for this role based on his long track record of success in our industry, including both ingredient and retail experience, a broad range of financial experience and a passion for developing high-performing organizations, leaders and teams,” Dye said.

ConAgra is a supplier to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. with sales offices in Northwest Arkansas.