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Jeri B. Finard is Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Kraft Foods Inc. In this role, Finard is responsible for leading Kraft's Consumer Innovation and Marketing Services Group, which focuses on anticipating consumers' evolving food and beverage needs to take full advantage of Kraft's broad portfolio of products.
Finard most recently was EVP, Global Category Development. Her responsibilities were to grow Kraft's global brands, including iconic trademarks, such as Kraft, Oreo, Maxwell House, Jacobs and many others known around the world. Her responsibilities also included all aspects of innovation and brand communication, as well as identifying and developing new categories and strategic growth opportunities for Kraft. Finard was named to this position in April 2006.
Finard joined Kraft in 1986 as an Assistant Brand Manager and advanced through a number of marketing and management positions spanning numerous categories and including assignments in Strategy and New Product Development. She served as General Manager for a wholly owned subsidiary of Kraft Foods, which imported confections such as Altoids and Toblerone from Europe. During that time, Finard was instrumental in acquiring and integrating the Balance Bar energy bar company.
Finard was instrumental in revitalizing Kraft's Desserts businesses; including iconic brands such as Jell-O and Cool Whip, and restoring these mature brands to growth. Finard went on to become President of North American Beverages, which included coffee brands such as Maxwell House, Starbucks, and Gevalia; and refreshment beverage brands such as Capri Sun, Crystal Light and Kool-Aid.
Finard serves on the Board of Citizens Communications, a telecommunications company listed on the NYSE. She holds a BA from Brandeis University and an MBA from Columbia University. | 