January 28/Food Weekly Focus-- ConAgra Foods Inc. named Andre J. Hawaux, currently executive vice president and chief financial officer, as president, Consumer Foods. In a corresponding move, the company named John F. Gehring, currently senior vice president and controller, as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Hawaux joined ConAgra Foods in 2006 as CFO, after 25 years of experience with PepsiCo and its bottlers, including serving as the general manager of one of the major U.S. business units of Pepsi Americas Inc.

"Andre is a proven operator, and over the past several months, he's shown very strong leadership in improving our execution and analysis within Consumer Foods," said Gary Rodkin, chief executive officer, ConAgra Foods. "I'm very confident in Andre's ability to continue building momentum in Consumer Foods for the finish of this fiscal year and beyond."

As he becomes leader of the company's $7.5 billion Consumer Foods business, Hawaux will transition CFO responsibilities to John F. Gehring, currently senior vice president and controller. Gehring served as interim CFO for ConAgra Foods prior to Hawaux joining the company, and his most recent responsibilities included financial oversight for the company's Commercial Foods business.

"John's integrity, financial acumen and detailed knowledge about our businesses will serve ConAgra Foods well," Rodkin said. "We're fortunate to have John ready to step seamlessly into the CFO role as we leverage Andre's general management effectiveness for sustainable, profitable growth in our Consumer Foods segment."

From the February 2, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition