Produce manufacturer and distributor Del Monte Foods Co. said Friday that its operating chief for the past seven years, Wesley J. Smith, is retiring and the company is realigning three executive roles relating to the 2002 purchase of certain businesses from H.J. Heinz Co. Smith will continue in an advisory role at Del Monte.
Don Binotto, managing director of StarKist brands, was named senior vice president, operations and supply chain, responsible for supply and demand planning, logistics, distribution, customer satisfaction, and purchasing. He was formerly head of the StarKist brand business.
Todd Lachman, managing director of pet products, has been named executive vice president, Del Monte Foods, with responsibility for the Del Monte, StarKist and pet products brand businesses, including product innovation. Lachman has led strategic initiatives in the pet products business over the last 18 months, joining the company from Heinz as a result of the merger. Lachman formerly held marketing positions at Procter & Gamble.