From time to time, Supply Chain Matters will highlight supply chain management leadership appointments that provide our readers insights into specific supply chain challenges.
One we did want to highlight was a recent organizational announcement by Campbell Soup. Co., which last week promoted three internal executives into wider senior responsibilities that include membership for the corporate executive leadership team, reporting to the firm’s CEO. 
In the Campbell announcement, CEO Denise Morrison states in part:
“As the external operating environment continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it is critical that we adapt our organization along with it to realize the potential of our Purpose, ‘Real food that matters for life’s moments.’ We are elevating these roles in recognition of the strategic importance they play for our business and our growth plans.”
Bob Furbee, a 32-year employee of Campbell’s was elevated to Senior Vice President of the Campbell Soup Company and Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain. The announcement indicates that Furbee: “will lead efforts in creating an integrated supply chain organization designed to deliver new capabilities and efficiencies to drive growth.” Most recently, Mr. Furbee was Senior Vice President of Supply Chain for Campbell Soup America’s Simple Meals and Beverages business segment, where he held leadership responsibilities for manufacturing, distribution logistics, procurement, and customer service for the Americas division. Furbee’s background At Campbell’s includes international experience as well having led European supply chain and operational activities.
What Supply Chain Matters found significant was the emphasis on driving top-line revenue growth as well as ongoing efficiencies. That takes on special significance for an industry faced with significant forces of external change brought about by changed consumer consumption and buying preferences as well as game-changing shifts occurring at the retail grocery level. Frankly, we would expect other CPG producers to elevate the role of supply chain management beyond that of a cost line related to operations and more toward a key enabler of needed business changes and desired business outcomes.
In addition to supply chain, other executive leadership elevation included an expanded vide-presidential role for corporate strategy with the appointment of Emily Waldorf, and the leadership of a single, integrated U.S. sales organization under the direction of Jim Sterbenz.
