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Bernardo Hees to be Appointed Chief Executive Officer of H.J. Heinz Company Following Completion of

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Bernardo Hees to be Appointed Chief Executive Officer of H.J. Heinz Company Following Completion of the Acquisition by 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway

PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)– 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway today announced that Bernardo Hees will become Chief Executive Officer of H.J. Heinz Company (NYS: HNZ) upon completion of the previously announced acquisition of Heinz by an investment consortium comprised of Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital.

Mr. Hees (43) has been Chief Executive Officer of Burger King Worldwide, Inc. (BKW) since September 10, 2010. Prior to joining BKW, Mr. Hees was Chief Executive Officer of America Latina Logistica (ALL), Latin America‘s largest railroad and logistics company.

Alex Behring, Managing Partner at 3G Capital said, “Bernardo is a proven executive with an unparalleled track record of delivering results. Over the past two and a half years at Burger King, Bernardo grew adjusted EBITDA by 44 percent from $454mm in 2010 to $652mm in 2012 and expanded the company’s adjusted EBITDA margin by 14% from 19% in 2010 to 33% in 2012. His combination of experience, leadership skills and broad understanding of the food industry make him the ideal leader to drive the next chapter in Heinz’s storied history. Bernardo will work closely with Heinz’s current Chairman, President and CEO, Bill Johnson, and the management team to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Hees said, “I am honored to be appointed the next CEO of Heinz, building upon the great success established during Mr. Johnson’s tenure. Heinz is one of the premier food companies in the world, led by the iconic Heinz Ketchup business. I look forward to joining the team and working in close partnership with the Company’s senior management, employees and customers to strengthen the business both domestically and internationally, while continuing to delight consumers with great tasting food products. On a personal level, my family and I are excited to be relocating to Pittsburgh and look forward to calling this great city home.”

Mr. Johnson will remain as Chairman, President and CEO of Heinz until the transaction is complete. 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway expect to discuss with Mr. Johnson his interest in a continuing role with the Company post closure following the shareholder meeting on April 30. Under Mr. Johnson’s leadership, Heinz has successfully reshaped its business to focus on the core brands, categories and geographies where it has leading market positions and the capabilities to drive consistent, profitable growth. Reflecting Mr. Johnson’s strong commitment to delivering sustainable growth for Heinz shareholders, Heinz has become one of the best-performing global companies in the packaged foods

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/11/bernardo-hees-to-be-appointed-chief-executive-offi/

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

McDonald's Adds Chicken Wraps in Bid to Scratch-Up Sales

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By The Associated Press

mcdonald mcwrap chicken sandwich

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By CANDICE CHOI

McDonald’s is adding a permanent new offering to its menu: chicken McWraps.

The world’s biggest hamburger chain says the new sandwich wrap will come in three varieties — Chicken & Bacon, Sweet Chili Chicken and Chicken & Ranch. The company already offers similar wraps in other parts of the world, including Europe.

The Oak Brook, Ill.-based chain says the McWraps use the same type of flour tortillas and chicken as its snack wraps, which were introduced in 2006. But two of the new McWraps will come with cucumbers, which the company says will mark the first time the vegetable will be part of its core menu. The wraps range from 360 to 600 calories, depending on whether people pick grilled or deep-fried chicken.

McDonald’s Corp. (MCD) has been stepping up the pace of its new menu offerings as it struggles to grow sales in the challenging economy. Last year, the company ousted the head of its U.S. division after a monthly sales figure fell for the first time in nearly a decade.

By refreshing its menu, McDonald’s is hoping to hold onto customers as it faces a shifting industry and intensifying competition from the likes of Burger King and Wendy’s. Next week, for instance, The Wendy’s Co. (WEN) plans to roll out its “Flatbread Grilled Chicken Sandwiches” in two varieties; an Asiago Ranch flavor will have 530 calories and the Honey Mustard flavor will have 370 calories.

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The latest offerings also reflect the changing tastes of diners, who are increasingly looking for more premium ingredients with a healthier image — even at fast-food chains. McDonald’s, for example, is officially calling the new wraps “Premium McWraps.” It also plans to offer a version of its Egg McMuffin made with egg whites starting April 22. And this week, Burger King Worldwide Inc. (BKW) rolled out its first turkey burger following the success of turkey burgers at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.

Dan Coudreaut, director of culinary innovation of McDonald’s, says the wraps will be a new “platform” and that different varieties are already in the pipeline. These could include spicy or Cajun flavors, he said. In Europe, he noted, there is a shrimp McWrap.

“It’s the benefit of McDonald’s being a global system,” he said, noting that the company can take successful items from around the world and adapt them to other markets. The Sweet Chili Chicken McWrap, for instance, was first offered in Australia.

Although the chicken McWraps officially launch nationwide next week, the company says many restaurants already have them. The suggested price for a wrap is $3.99.

National advertising is set to start April 1.

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