West promoted to chief marketer at Kraft Foods

NORTHFIELD, Ill. Kraft Foods announced Monday that Mary Beth West has been appointed evp and chief marketing officer, effective immediately. West, a 21-year Kraft veteran, had been group vp of Kraft Foods and president of North America beverages, overseeing both coffee and refreshment beverage brands.

“Mary Beth brings to the cmo role a consumer-centric approach to business challenges, a passion for breakthrough marketing, and a long track record of success in building Kraft brands," said Irene Rosenfeld, Kraft chairman and ceo. "She will be an excellent partner as she works with her team to enhance our marketing capabilities and works with our businesses to develop breakthrough marketing programs. I look forward to the contribution she'll make as cmo in helping to restore Kraft to reliable growth.”

In her new role, West will report to Rosenfeld and become a member of the Kraft executive team. As cmo, she is responsible for consumer insights and strategy, integrated marketing communications, consumer services, and sustainability. West also will oversee the Tassimo hot beverage business on a global basis.

During her Kraft career, West has held a number of key marketing and business management positions. She served as group vp and president of the U.S. grocery sector, senior vp and gm of the meals division, vp of marketing and consumer promotions, vp of business development North America, and category business director of Jell-O gelatin. She began her career as associate product manager on Maxwell House coffee in 1986.