March 1/Fort Washington, Pa./Business Wire -- Nutrisystem Inc. announced that packaged goods industry veteran Dianne Jacobs has joined the company as senior vice president and general manager of retail.

Jacobs brings 25 years of consumer packaged goods experience to Nutrisystem, with extensive background working for large multinational companies including Nestle and Kraft/Nabisco, as well as entrepreneurial consumer goods companies such as Pinnacle Foods, Earthbound Farms and Integrated BioPharma.

Jacobs joins Nutrisystem as the company focuses on extending its brand and products to other weight loss sectors. With obesity front and center in the public consciousness -- the Center for Disease Control estimates that about one-third of U.S. adults are suffering from obesity -- Nutrisystem is focused on serving new dieters as well as dieters already on one of the company’s programs.

According to Nielsen's “Healthy Eating Trends Around the World January 2012 Study,” "More than 63% of Americans currently consider themselves overweight ... consumers around the world have healthy eating on their minds and ... marketers have an opportunity to help."

Joe Redling, Nutrisystem chairman and chief executive officer says, “The statistics speak volumes about our country’s nutritional status and the resulting increase risk of serious health conditions directly tied to obesity. Everywhere they turn, consumers are looking for diet solutions that meet their needs and taste great. As we prepare to launch Nutrisystem-branded products onto retail shelves later this year, we wanted an established retail professional to lead this important strategic initiative. Dianne Jacobs has the ideal background for this newly-created role, as she has managed multi-billion dollar businesses with large and established brands as well as entrepreneurial ventures in multiple categories. Dianne’s extensive experience in the food industry will strengthen our focus on continuing to innovate across our food offerings both in the retail area as well as in our well established direct business.”

 From the March 1, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.