General Mills Appoints Asheesh Saksena as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer
General Mills is focusing on growth with the recent appointment of Asheesh Saksena as its chief strategy and growth officer. Saksena will be responsible for the company’s long-term growth plans and acceleration strategies, according to the press release.
With extensive experience at major companies like Best Buy, Cox Communications, and Gap Inc., Saksena is poised to drive growth for General Mills. CEO Jeff Harmening expressed confidence in Saksena’s ability to build consumer love for the company’s iconic brands.
Saksena will officially start his new role on August 26, reporting directly to Harmening. He takes over from Dana McNabb, who was recently appointed as group president for North American retail.
General Mills, known for its staple category of cereal, is seeking to expand its portfolio and explore new revenue streams amid a long-term sales decline in the cereal market. In its latest earnings report, the company reported a 6% decrease in net sales.
During the most recent earnings call, Harmening highlighted General Mills’ focus on innovation with new products like Cheerios Veggie Blends and Nature Valley savory bars. The company’s expansion into the pet food category, following the acquisition of Blue Buffalo in 2018, also demonstrates its commitment to growth and diversification.
As General Mills looks to the future, Asheesh Saksena’s leadership as chief strategy and growth officer will play a key role in driving the company’s growth and success.