Cold food industry experiences slew of personnel changes
ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS: Association of American Railroads (AAR), Washington, D.C. Kristin Smith, who was recently promoted to vice president, communications, will be succeeding Patricia Reilly, senior vice president, communications, who will be leaving the company at the end of the year to launch a strategic communications consultancy company. Reilly has been spearheading communications efforts since 2008, and was instrumental in establishing the “Freight Rail Works” branding/advocacy ad campaign as the face of the freight rail industry inside Washington, D.C. During her time at AAR, Reilly has expanded the scope and reach of the industry’s efforts to raise awareness about freight rail’s benefits and contributions, with an emphasis on all the industry does in the name of safety. Smith has been with the AAR since 2010, directing the multi-year “Freight Rail Works” campaigns, spearheading research initiatives and overseeing AAR’s many advocacy campaigns. Prior to joining AAR, Smith was with Ogilvy Washington, and managed the AAR account. Her previous experience includes McDonald’s, Automatic Data Processing (ADP) and Snap-on Tools.
PROCESSORS/RETAILERS/DISTRIBUTORS: Kraft Heinz, Pittsburgh, Pa. Rashida La Lande will join as new global general counsel and corporate secretary, effective mid-January 2018. In this role, she will lead the company’s legal function, including corporate governance and securities, transactions, regulatory, intellectual property, litigation and labor and employment. Currently a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, La Lande brings expertise in mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, private equity deals and joint ventures. She also maintains 18 years of experience representing companies and private equity sponsors in the consumer products, retail, financial services and technology industries. La Lande will replace Jim Savina, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Savina played a key role in the 2015 integration of Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Co., holding various legal leadership positions during his 5-year tenure.
Vanguard International Group, Issaquah, Wash. Curt McDonald joined the team at Vanguard Pride in Wapato, Wash, in the newly created role of director of facilities. McDonald brings over 25 years’ experience in Washington State’s fruit industry. Previously, he was with Hansen Fruit Co., where he was responsible for all receiving, cold storage and controlled-atmosphere, packing and shipping operations, as well as packaging procurement and inventory management.