CAMDEN, N.J., Sep 17, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) today announced the appointment of Walter Bugno as President of its Asia Pacific Division, effective November, 2002. Bugno, 42, was most recently Managing Director Australia of Lion Nathan, which owns many of Australia and New Zealand’s largest breweries, as well as a number of premium wine brands. Bugno succeeds, and will report to, John Doumani, who was named last month to the newly-created position of President — Campbell International, a new division for Campbell’s European and Asia Pacific businesses.
At Campbell, Bugno will lead approximately 5,000 associates in the company’s Asia Pacific division, which includes Arnott’s, Australia’s market-leading biscuit company, as well as the newly acquired facilities and brands of Snack Foods Limited, a leader in the salty snack category in Australia. Beyond Australia, the division has operations in New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, the Phillippines, Hong Kong and Greater China. Bugno will be based at the company’s regional headquarters in Sydney.
As Managing Director of Lion Nathan in Australia, Bugno delivered five consecutive years of record profit growth, as well as market share growth. Prior to joining Lion Nathan, he was Managing Director of Simplot Australia Pty Limited, whose food brands include Bird’s Eye and Leggo’s. Previously Bugno held senior management positions with Pacific Brands Food Group and the Polarcup Group in Europe and Australia.
“Walter Bugno is one of the region’s top business leaders and we are absolutely delighted that he is joining our team,” said Douglas R. Conant, Campbell President and Chief Executive Officer. “He has a proven track record of delivering strong results in the marketplace and building talented teams in the workplace. He arrives at an exciting time for Campbell in the Asia Pacific region. In Australia, we are the market leader in biscuits and soup and now have a very strong position in salty snacks. We have also demonstrated good momentum in selected developing markets. With strong brands in growing categories and talented teams, we have significant opportunity for profitable growth in Australia and the region.”
Bugno commented, “I look forward to continuing to build on the momentum created at Arnott’s and Campbell in recent years and working to ensure these icon brands continue to delight consumers everywhere.”
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains “forward-looking statements” which reflect the company’s current expectations about its future plans and performance, including statements concerning marketing investments and earnings. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates which could be inaccurate and which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the company. Please refer to the company’s most recent Form 10-K and subsequent filings for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high quality soup, sauces, beverages, biscuits, confectionery and prepared food products. The company owns a portfolio of more than 20 market-leading businesses each with more than $100 million in sales. They include “Campbell’s” soups worldwide, “Erasco” soups in Germany and “Liebig” soups in France, “Pepperidge Farm” cookies and crackers, “V8” vegetable juices, “V8 Splash” juice beverages, “Pace” Mexican sauces, “Prego” Italian sauces, “Franco-American” canned pastas and gravies, “Swanson” broths, “Homepride” sauces in the United Kingdom, “Arnott’s” biscuits in Australia and “Godiva” chocolates around the world. The company also owns dry soup and sauce businesses in Europe under the “Batchelors,” “Oxo,” “Lesieur,” “Royco,” “Liebig,” “Heisse Tasse,” “Bla Band” and “McDonnells” brands. The company is ably supported by approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information on the company, visit Campbell’s website on the Internet at www.campbellsoup.com.
CONTACT: Campbell Soup Company John Faulkner (Media – U.S.) (856) 342-3738 or Campbell Soup Company Leonard F. Griehs (Analysts) (856) 342-6428