Meet Conagra Brands' Board of Directors

Conagra Brands is a leading food company with a team of experienced executives and a board of directors who provide guidance and oversight to ensure its success. In this article, we will introduce you to Conagra Brands' Board of Directors, their backgrounds, responsibilities, and current challenges. We'll also examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Conagra Brands, the investor perspectives on its board and management team and how its board contributed to the company's growth and innovation.

Who are the members of Conagra Brands' Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors at Conagra Brands comprises nine members. Its current Chairwoman is Jocelyn Mangan, who has served on the board since 2018. Other members include Thomas Greco, who served as Conagra's CEO from 2015 to 2018, and Meg Crofton, who served as President of the Disney Parks and Resorts.

Conagra Brands' Board of Directors is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds in business, finance, and the food industry. The directors bring their experience and skills to the table, providing guidance to the company's executives in making critical decisions that drive innovation and sustainable growth.

One of the newest members of Conagra Brands' Board of Directors is Richard H. Lenny, who joined in 2020. Lenny is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the food and consumer goods industry. He previously served as the Chairman and CEO of The Hershey Company and has also held leadership positions at Nabisco and Kraft Foods.

Another member of the board is Craig P. Omtvedt, who has been a director since 2016. Omtvedt has extensive experience in finance and accounting, having served as the CFO of Fortune Brands Home & Security and the CFO of Beam Inc. before that. He also serves on the board of directors for several other companies, including Brunswick Corporation and Tenneco Inc.

Get to know the leadership team at Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands' leadership team is made up of industry veterans who bring diverse perspectives to the table. Besides Jocelyn Mangan, who has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles in technology companies, Conagra Brands' President and CEO, Sean Connolly, has over three decades of experience in the food industry.

The other members of Conagra Brands' leadership team include Tom McGough, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Darren Serrao, Chief Growth Officer and Dave Biegger, Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Each member of Conagra Brands' leadership team has a unique set of skills and experiences that contribute to the company's success. Tom McGough, for example, has over 25 years of experience in finance and has held leadership positions at several Fortune 500 companies. Darren Serrao has a background in marketing and has worked for major consumer packaged goods companies before joining Conagra Brands. Dave Biegger has over 30 years of experience in supply chain management and has worked for several leading food companies before joining Conagra Brands.

A closer look at Conagra Brands' Board of Directors

As mentioned, Conagra Brands' current chairwoman is Jocelyn Mangan, who is also on the boards of Papa John’s International and NerdWallet.

The company's lead independent director is Richard H. Lenny, who has been on the board since 2009. He previously served as the Chairman and CEO of Hershey Foods Corporation, and has extensive board experience with companies such as Wawa Inc and McDonald's Corporation.

Another notable board member is Stephen Gold, who has extensive experience leading global technology companies. Gold, who joined the board in 2015, is also a Board member of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)

In addition to these board members, Conagra Brands also has a diverse group of directors with expertise in areas such as finance, marketing, and sustainability. For example, Thomas W. Dickson, who joined the board in 2016, has over 30 years of experience in the food industry and was previously the CEO of Harris Teeter Supermarkets. Susan S. Fleming, who has been on the board since 2018, has extensive experience in finance and accounting, having served as the CFO of The Wendy's Company and as a partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Finally, Ruth Ann Marshall, who joined the board in 2019, has a background in marketing and brand management, having served as the President of the Americas for Mastercard and as the CMO of the Elizabeth Arden Company.

What role does the Board of Directors play in Conagra Brands' success?

The Board of Directors plays a critical role in Conagra Brands' success by providing guidance and oversight to the company's management team. The board sets the strategic direction of Conagra Brands and helps ensure that the company's management team is held accountable for achieving its objectives.

Furthermore, Conagra Brands' board of directors plays an essential role in ensuring that the company is being run in an ethical and responsible manner, following all regulatory requirements and guidelines.

Another important role of Conagra Brands' board of directors is to monitor the company's financial performance and ensure that it is meeting its financial goals. The board reviews financial reports and statements, assesses risks, and makes decisions on investments and capital expenditures. Additionally, the board is responsible for approving executive compensation and ensuring that it is aligned with the company's performance and goals.

How does Conagra Brands' Board of Directors make decisions?

Conagra Brands' Board of Directors makes decisions through regular meetings where members review and discuss company performance, make strategic decisions and approve resources and budgets. The board also has several committees that meet regularly to address specific issues in detail, such as governance, audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance.

One of the key factors that influence the decision-making process of Conagra Brands' Board of Directors is the input from the company's executive team. The board works closely with the executives to understand the company's operations, market trends, and competitive landscape. This collaboration helps the board to make informed decisions that align with the company's goals and objectives.

In addition to the regular meetings and committee discussions, Conagra Brands' Board of Directors also conducts an annual evaluation of its own performance. This evaluation process helps the board to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that it is functioning effectively. The board also seeks feedback from shareholders and other stakeholders to ensure that their interests are being represented in the decision-making process.

The backgrounds and experience of Conagra Brands' Board members

As mentioned earlier, Conagra Brands' board of directors comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in business, finance and the food industry. The board's directors have previously held executive and leadership positions at companies such as Hershey Foods Corporation, Procter & Gamble, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Shutterfly, Accenture, and Illinois Tool Works, among others.

Additionally, the board members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in areas such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and innovation. For example, one board member has led sustainability efforts at a major consumer goods company, while another has extensive experience in developing and launching new products in the food industry. This diverse range of expertise allows Conagra Brands to make informed decisions that benefit both the company and its stakeholders.

A review of recent changes to Conagra Brands' Board of Directors

N/A

Conagra Brands, a leading food company, has recently made some significant changes to its Board of Directors. The company has appointed two new members to its board, namely, Jocelyn Mangan and Timothy McLevish.

Jocelyn Mangan is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the technology and hospitality industries. She has held leadership positions at companies such as Snagajob, OpenTable, and Ticketmaster. Timothy McLevish, on the other hand, is a former CFO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and Kraft Foods Group. He brings with him a wealth of financial expertise and experience in the consumer packaged goods industry.

These appointments come at a time when Conagra Brands is looking to strengthen its position in the market and drive growth. The company has been focusing on innovation and expanding its product portfolio to meet changing consumer preferences. With the addition of Mangan and McLevish to its board, Conagra Brands is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Overall, the recent changes to Conagra Brands' Board of Directors reflect the company's commitment to driving long-term value for its shareholders and stakeholders. With a strong leadership team in place, the company is poised for continued success in the years to come.

How does Conagra Brands ensure diversity on its Board of Directors?

Conagra Brands is committed to diversity and inclusion, and that is reflected in its Board membership, which has four women serving as directors. Additionally, the board's nominating and corporate governance committee has set guidelines promoting diversity in selecting new directors.

Furthermore, Conagra Brands has also implemented a diversity and inclusion training program for all of its Board members. This program aims to educate Board members on the importance of diversity and inclusion in decision-making processes and to provide them with the tools to identify and address any potential biases. The program is regularly updated to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in promoting diversity and inclusion within the company.

The relationship between Conagra Brands' management team and Board of Directors

Conagra Brands' management team has an excellent working relationship with the Board of Directors, which is critical to the company's success. The Board provides guidance, oversight and support to the management team, making sure that key decisions align with the company's values and strategic direction.

What challenges is Conagra Brands' Board of Directors currently facing?

Conagra Brands' Board of Directors faces challenges similar to those of other food industry players, including changing consumer preferences and intensifying competition. Moreover, operating amid the COVID-19 pandemic ensures that ensuring the safety of workers and customers presents additional challenges for the board's members.

The future direction of Conagra Brands under its current Board leadership

Conagra Brands is well-positioned for growth under its current Board of Directors' leadership. With their deep industry knowledge and experience, the board is expected to steer the company towards new heights by implementing innovative strategies that address the evolving needs of consumers in the food industry.

Investor perspectives on Conagra Brands' Board and management team

Investors remain optimistic about Conagra Brands' Board of Directors and management team's ability to drive sustainable growth. Their recent financial results are encouraging, with the company's revenue increasing 12% from the previous year.

Conagra Brands rewards its shareholders by paying dividends, and the company's earnings per share have been on the rise over the last few years. However, as with any company, investors' perspective remains dynamic, and changes depending on many factors, including market conditions.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Conagra Brands and its Board decisions

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for Conagra Brands, forcing the company to adapt to changes in consumer behaviour. Conagra Brands' management and board of directors have had to make tough decisions to ensure the company could continue operating effectively during this period, prioritizing employee and customer safety.

For example, the board has increased its investment in e-commerce capabilities to meet increased online sales demand during the pandemic. The company has maintained its commitment to responsible and sustainable growth while adopting strategies to overcome pandemic-related challenges, which has earned it praise from investors and other stakeholders.

How has Conagra Brands' Board contributed to the company's growth and innovation?

Conagra Brands' Board of Directors has played a significant role in driving its growth and innovation by providing guidance, oversight, and support to its management team. For instance, Conagra Brands' pivot to plant-based meat alternatives such as their Gardein brand was born from a keen understanding of growing consumer demand for alternatives among the Board.

Similarly, the board's focus on sustainable growth in the food industry has resulted in Conagra Brands' commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. Such practices which aim to minimize their environmental footprint while consistently delivering innovative-to-market solutions further substantiates its commitment to profitable and responsible growth for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Conagra Brands has a strong and diverse Board of Directors comprising industry veterans with vast experience in business. Its Board is committed to guiding the company towards sustainable growth while considering the evolving landscape in the food industry and the opportunities and challenges that it presents. As investors remain positive about the company's performance, Conagra Brands' Board, coupled with its leadership team, continues to keep the company sustainable and profitable.