Sara Lee boss steps down following stroke
Brenda Barnes, the head of leading US food group Sara Lee is reportedly stepping down following a serious stroke earlier this year.
Barnes, 56, has cited health problems as the reason she is retiring from her role as chairman and CEO of the successful Sara Lee food brand. Following a stroke back in May 2010, Barnes has been on medical leave and has said that she now wants to focus on her recovery.
Before Sara Lee, Barnes held a senior position at PepsiCo in the 1990s, which she left in order to spend more time with her children. She became an important symbol for the many challenges facing working mothers in the fast-paced food and drink industry.
The search for a new CEO
Sara Lee is now pulling out all the stops to find a replacement for Barnes, one who is able to drive the company forward. Named as possible successors within the Sara Lee family are Marcel Smits -former chief financial officer, currently serving as acting CEO - and Christopher John Fraleigh, the CEO of the North American retail and food service arm of the company.
Barnes, 56, has cited health problems as the reason she is retiring from her role as chairman and CEO of the successful Sara Lee food brand. Following a stroke back in May 2010, Barnes has been on medical leave and has said that she now wants to focus on her recovery.
Before Sara Lee, Barnes held a senior position at PepsiCo in the 1990s, which she left in order to spend more time with her children. She became an important symbol for the many challenges facing working mothers in the fast-paced food and drink industry.
The search for a new CEO
Sara Lee is now pulling out all the stops to find a replacement for Barnes, one who is able to drive the company forward. Named as possible successors within the Sara Lee family are Marcel Smits -former chief financial officer, currently serving as acting CEO - and Christopher John Fraleigh, the CEO of the North American retail and food service arm of the company.
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