H.J. Heinz Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., said it promoted Bob Ostryniec to the position of chief supply chain officer. Heinz said Ostryniec will be responsible to "drive worldwide initiatives to leverage the Company’s global scale, reduce costs, improve gross margins and enhance productivity."

“Bob’s appointment reflects his exceptional performance in optimizing savings and efficiency in the Company’s North American supply chain while building best-in-class supply chain processes,” noted William R. Johnson, Heinz chairman, president and CEO.

Officials said Ostryniec will continue to lead the company’s Global Supply Chain Task Force in his new role. He will also be responsible for:

- Providing strategic thought leadership on global supply chain issues and opportunities;
 
- Partnering with the regional supply chain leaders to build and leverage global capability to achieve competitive advantage;

- Building common, best-in-class supply chain processes, systems, metrics and tools.

Ostryniec joined Heinz in July, 2003 as Group Vice President, Supply Chain for Heinz North America. He was promoted to Chief Supply Chain Officer for Heinz North America in May, 2005.

Prior to joining Heinz, Ostryniec spent more than 17 years with General Electric and Stanley Tools in various manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain roles. In his last position with GE, he was vice president of manufacturing for European Operations.

Heinz also announced today that Christopher Stockwell is appointed to the position of Chief Procurement Officer for Heinz globally.