New director nominee for Smucker board

ORRVILLE, Ohio — The J. M. Smucker Company's board has announced that a new director nominee will be included in the company's proxy statement for election at the next annual shareholders meeting to be held Wednesday, Aug. 14.



The nominee is Robert B. Heisler Jr., the now-retired dean of the college of business administration and graduate school of management at Kent State University, former CEO of McDonald Financial Group and retired chairman and CEO of KeyBank, N.A.



The board concluded that Heisler should serve as a director primarily due to his extensive experience in the investment management and financial services area and his experience serving as a director of other public companies.



"Mr. Heisler's impressive career path brings additional leadership, operating, financial and administrative skills to the board, and his background enables him to provide valuable insights to the board, particularly in overseeing the company's finances. If elected, Mr. Heisler will serve as a member of the company's audit committee, and his experience will be an invaluable asset to both the audit committee and the company," said CEO Richard K. Smucker.



If elected, Heisler will replace William H. Steinbrink, who has served as a director of the company since 1994, and who will be retiring from the board at the end of his term. Steinbrink will continue to provide consulting services to the CEO and the chairman of the board.



"We wish to thank Mr. Steinbrink for his many years of service and his meaningful contributions to the board and the company. His valuable insights and dedication have been greatly appreciated," said chairman of the board Timothy P. Smucker.



Smucker is a leading marketer and manufacturer of fruit spreads, retail packaged coffee, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk and health and natural foods beverages in North America. Its family of brands includes Smucker's, Folgers, Dunkin' Donuts, Jif, Crisco, Pillsbury, Eagle Brand, R.W. Knudsen Family, Hungry Jack, Cafe Bustelo, Cafe Pilon, White Lily and Martha White in the United States, along with Robin Hood, Five Roses, Carnation and Bick's in Canada.