TL

Thomas Lopez

President and CEO of West Madison Foods

Greater Chicago Area

Overview

Work Experience

  • President and CEO

    2023 - Current

    Leading the startup and growth of Brynwood Partners latest portfolio company, West Madison Foods.

  • President & COO

    2018 - 2023

    Responsible for the integration and transformation of the 2017 JBS acquisition of Plumrose USA, a stand-alone Danish owned company, into a formidable valued added and branded protein based prepared foods company in the United Sates. Headquartered the company in Chicago, rebranded the company Swift Prepared Foods and spearheaded the transformation and growth, increasing revenue from $475M to $1.4 billion, while improving profitability.

  • President, Beverages and Snack Nuts

    2016 - 2017

    Responsible for the Beverages and Snacks business unit. Inspire, elevate, and lead a $4 billion business by applying principles of business transformation, portfolio strategy, and commodity management to achieve goals on brands such as Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, MiO, Maxwell House, Gevalia, McCafe & Planters.

  • President, Meals and Desserts

    2015 - 2016

    Responsible for leading Kraft-Heinz Meals & Desserts business unit, which includes iconic brands like Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, Velveeta dinners, Stove Top Stuffing, Jet Puffed Marshmallows and Jell-O desserts.

  • VP Marketing, US Growth Channels

    2014 - 2015

    Responsible for the strategies, processes, and capabilities necessary to transform Kraft Foods into a Growth Channels Powerhouse. Drives the business results and creates the long-term vision for Kraft's porfolio of products in Club, Value, C-Store, Drug and Specialty Channels.

  • VP of Marketing, Oscar Mayer Brands

    2013 - 2013

    Responsible for elevating and leading the marketing function for Oscar Mayer Brands, applying principles of business management and consumer marketing to achieve the desired business objectives of an iconic, $3B brand.

  • VP of Marketing, Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts and Channel Strategy

    2012 - 2013

    Overall responsibile for the strategic direction, marketing, revenue, profit and share delivery for over $1.8B in business across Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts and Oscar Mayer Growth Channels. Leads and inspires large cross-functional team and direct staff.

  • Senior Director of Marketing, Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts

    2009 - 2012

    Senior Director of Marketing for Oscar Mayer Cold Cuts. Reponsible for the strategic direction and P&L delivery for over $1B of business. Leads large cross functional teams toward the goal of profitable growth for Kraft Foods.

  • Marketing Director, Bacon, Boca Foods & Claussen Pickles

    2007 - 2009

    Developed the vision, strategies and plans for over $700 million of business across the #1 bacon, #1 refrigerated pickle and #2 meatless burger. Responsible for delivering the P&L, managing brand equity, and developing and deploying direct reports and cross functionals.

  • Sr. Brand Manager, Lunchables Lunch Combinations

    2004 - 2007

    Responsible for profit delivery, positioning and marketing plans for the #1 brand of refrigerated meal combinations with a market share over 85%, revenue above $600 million and A&C over $50 million; trained and developed seven direct reports.

  • Brand Manager, Marketing and Strategy

    2002 - 2004

    Responsible for identifying and executing strategic growth initiatives, strategic partnerships and strategic planning for the $2.5 billion Oscar Mayer Division. Led Hispanic Marketing, Consumer Relationship Marketing and Mergers & Acquisitions.

  • Sr. Associate Brand Manager, Cold Cuts Innovation

    2001 - 2002

    Selected to fill a newly created Pipeline position; responsible for identifying and executing new product and strategic growth opportunities on the $1B Cold Cuts business.

  • Associate Brand Manager, Lunchables Lunch Combinations

    1999 - 2001

    Responsible for developing A&C programs on the $600 million Lunchables brand; worked directly with advertising, consumer promotions and public relations agencies.

  • Captain

    1993 - 1999

    Held numerous positions of increasing responsibility as an Army Engineer Officer. Positions included leading US Army soliders in numerous situations both in the Continental United States and Overseas.

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