January 12/Food & Beverage Close-Up -- Jill Pratt, most recently business director -- Flavor Enhancers, has been appointed vice president, marketing for the U.S. Consumer Products Division of McCormick and Company, Inc.

Pratt fills the position previously held by Lori Robinson, who has been appointed vice president Corporate Communications, Branding and Culinary Marketing. The company said in her new position, Pratt is responsible for overseeing marketing related activities for all products including strategic planning, advertising and brand management activities.

Pratt will report to Ken Stickevers, president, U.S. Consumer Products Group. "Jill brings outstanding strategic and leadership skills to the position as well as a strong record of accomplishments. I look forward to working with her as we continue to build the McCormick family of flavor brands," said Stickevers.

Pratt joined McCormick in 2008.

From the January 24, 2011, Prepared Foods E-dition