MINNEAPOLIS — Jeffrey L. Harmening has been named to the newly created role of president and chief operating officer of General Mills, Inc., effective July 1. Mr. Harmening, a 22-year veteran of the company, will oversee all company operations, including U.S. retail, international, convenience stores and food service segments, sales and channel development, as well as global supply chain, and innovation, technology and quality functions.
Mr. Harmening has been executive vice-president and chief operating officer of the company’s $10 billion U.S. retail segment since May 2014. His successor will be named at a later date.
Previously, Mr. Harmening was chief executive officer of Cereal Partners Worldwide, the company’s joint venture with Nestle S.A., and was responsible for the nearly $2 billion global cereal business with distribution to more than 130 countries outside of North America. He also was president of the General Mills cereal operating unit and held various U.S. marketing positions.
Mr. Harmening will continue to report to Ken Powell, chairman and chief executive officer.
“Jeff has a wide range of experience in both the U.S. and internationally,” Mr. Powell said. “The timing is right to bring together overall operations under one leader. Jeff is well positioned to accelerate our global Consumer First strategy to drive both growth and profitability.”
Mr. Harmening received a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University.
