Dive Brief:
Dive Insight:
The recent acquisition of Sovos by Campbell’s has brought the premium sauce brand Rao’s under its ownership. Rao’s has seen significant growth in the food industry in recent years. With changes in Campbell’s executive team, Risa Cretella, who played a key role in building Rao’s, has been promoted to oversee Campbell’s meals and beverages unit, which generates $5.3 billion in annual sales.
According to Beekhuizen, “Risa is a highly skilled leader with a proven track record of driving financial and market growth. Her contributions to the successful integration of Sovos Brands and her ability to lead high-performance teams make her the ideal candidate to lead our Meals & Beverages division.”
Cretella brings nearly 25 years of experience in the food industry, including roles in general management, marketing, and sales. Prior to Sovos, she held senior marketing positions at Pinnacle Foods, working with brands like Birds Eye. She also spent over a decade at J.M. Smucker Company in marketing and sales roles.
Her diverse experience in the food industry and her ability to grow and innovate key brands make Cretella a valuable addition to Campbell’s. Her expertise will be crucial in navigating changing consumer preferences and managing business growth amidst economic challenges.