ORRVILLE, Ohio — The JM Smucker Co. has unveiled a number of 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 in April 2015. 

Vince Byrd, president, COO of J.M. Smucker Co.

Vince Byrd

Vincent Byrd, currently president and chief operating officer, will assume the role of vice chairman. In this newly created position, Byrd, along with David West, will lead the integration and synergy efforts of the Big Heart Pet Brands transaction. Byrd has been with the company for 38 years.

Mark Smucker has been named president of Consumer and Natural Foods. Smucker has 17 years of experience with the company, most recently as president of US Retail Coffee. 

Steven Oakland has been named president of Coffee and Foodservice. Oakland most recently held the position of president of International, Foodservice, and Natural Foods. Oakland has been with JM Smucker for 32 years.

Barry Dunaway will assume the role of president of International and chief administrative officer. Dunaway has 28 years of experience with the company, most recently as senior vice-president and chief administrative officer. 

Barry Dunaway, president of Big Heart Pet Food

Barry Dunaway

In addition, following the anticipated closing of the Big Heart Pet Brands transaction, West will assume the role of president of Big Heart Pet Food and Snacks. West is currently the CEO of Big Heart Pet Brands and has more than 25 years of food-industry experience.

Byrd, Mark Smucker, Oakland, Dunaway and West, along with Mark Belgya, senior vice president and CFO, will report to Richard Smucker, CEO.

In addition to their management roles, Tim Smucker, Richard Smucker, Mark Smucker and Byrd will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors. West will be nominated to the board of directors in conjunction with the closing of the Big Heart Pet Brands transaction.

“The executive promotions announced today, along with the talented teams that support them, continue to provide family leadership and broad management continuity, while also adding new talent to our leadership team,” said Richard Smucker. “This leadership team has a proven track record of growing brands and businesses and continues our history of strong succession to ensure our company’s long-term growth.”

The executive appointments will take effect on April 1.