Heinz names new head of North America division

PITTSBURGH — Heinz has named Dave Woodward EVP, in charge of Heinz North America, effective immediately.

"Dave Woodward is a proven, results-oriented leader who has distinguished himself over the last six years by driving the exceptional performance of our business in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the company’s second-largest market," Heinz chairman, president and CEO William Johnson said. "I expect Dave to lead Heinz North America to new levels of success by leveraging his proven expertise in marketing and innovation, and his keen understanding of consumer behavior."

Woodward was promoted to EVP of the company’s rest of world segment on May 1. That promotion reflected his success in driving strong results in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where he served as president since 2006. In January 2011, his role was expanded to include Africa and the Middle East.

Woodward succeeds Scott O’Hara as president and CEO of Heinz North America, reporting directly to William Johnson. O’Hara is leaving Heinz to pursue other opportunities after six years with the company. He was named president and CEO of Heinz North America in July 2009 after holding a similar post at Heinz Europe for three years.

"I want to thank Scott for his dedicated service to Heinz and I wish him the best in his future endeavors," Johnson said.

Heinz expects to appoint a new leader for the company's rest of world segment, which includes Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, in the near future.