Sean Connolly will become CEO of ConAgra Foods effective April 6 upon the retirement of Gary Rodkin.
Rodkin will serve as a senior advisor to the company between April 6 and the end of May. Most recently Connolly was CEO and president of Hillshire Brands. from the time the company was created as a spin-off from Sara Lee Corp. in 2012 until its sale to Tyson Foods in August 2014.
Connolly joined Sara Lee in January 2012 as CEO of the company’s North American retail and foodservice business. Before that he was president of Campbell Soup North America.
“We are thrilled to have Sean join ConAgra Foods as our new CEO.,” said Steve Goldstone, chairman of the ConAgra board of directors. “His track record of building brands, energizing teams, and creating value makes him an ideal fit. We are confident he will infuse focus and enthusiasm at ConAgra Foods.”