The J.M. Smucker Company announced a series of key executive promotions designed to position the company for continued growth and success following the recently announced planned acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands, which is expected to be completed by the end of the company's fiscal year, April 2015.

The company announced that its Board of Directors, including Timothy P. Smucker, Chairman of the Board, and Richard K. Smucker, Chief Executive Officer, have approved the following changes, effective April 1, 2015:

Vincent C. Byrd will assume the role of Vice Chairman. Mr. Byrd currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer. In this newly created position, Mr. Byrd, along with David West, will lead the integration and synergy efforts of the Big Heart Pet Brands transaction. Mr. Byrd has been with the Company for 38 years. 

Mark T. Smucker will assume the role of President, Consumer and Natural Foods. Mr. Smucker has 17 years of experience with the company, most recently serving as President, U.S. Retail Coffee.

Steven Oakland will assume the role of President, Coffee and Foodservice. Mr. Oakland most recently held the position of President, International, Foodservice, and Natural Foods. Mr. Oakland has been with the Company for 32 years.

Barry C. Dunaway will assume the role of President, International and Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Dunaway has 28 years of experience with the Company, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

In addition, following the anticipated closing of the Big Heart Pet Brands transaction, David West will assume the role of President, Big Heart Pet Food and Snacks. Mr. West is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Big Heart Pet Brands and has more than 25 years of food industry experience.

These five individuals, along with Mark R. Belgya, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will report to Richard Smucker.