Irene Rosenfeld

Early Life and Education

Irene Blecker Rosenfeld was born on May 3, 1953, in Westbury, New York. She grew up in a Jewish family and was the daughter of Seymour and Joan Blecker. Her father worked as an accountant, and her mother was a homemaker. Rosenfeld attended W. Tresper Clarke High School in Westbury, where she demonstrated early leadership qualities and academic excellence.

Rosenfeld pursued her higher education at Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1975. She continued her studies at Cornell, obtaining a Master of Science in Business Administration in 1977 and a Ph.D. in Marketing and Statistics in 1980. Her academic background provided a strong foundation for her future career in the food and beverage industry.

Career Beginnings

Rosenfeld's career began at Dancer Fitzgerald Sample, an advertising agency, where she worked as a market researcher. In 1981, she joined General Foods, which later became part of Kraft Foods. At General Foods, she held various positions in consumer research and marketing, gaining valuable experience in the food industry.

Rise at Kraft Foods

Rosenfeld's career at Kraft Foods was marked by a series of promotions and increasing responsibilities. In 1996, she was appointed Executive Vice President of Kraft Foods North America. Her leadership skills and strategic vision were instrumental in driving the company's growth and success.

In 2004, Rosenfeld left Kraft Foods to become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo. During her tenure at Frito-Lay, she focused on health and wellness initiatives, introducing healthier snack options and reducing trans fats in the company's products.

Return to Kraft Foods

In 2006, Rosenfeld returned to Kraft Foods as CEO, succeeding Roger Deromedi. Her return marked a period of significant transformation for the company. Under her leadership, Kraft Foods pursued a strategy of growth through acquisitions and innovation. One of her most notable achievements was the acquisition of the iconic British confectionery company Cadbury in 2010. This acquisition expanded Kraft's global footprint and strengthened its position in the confectionery market.

Rosenfeld also led the successful spin-off of Kraft Foods' North American grocery business, which became known as Kraft Heinz. The remaining global snack business was rebranded as Mondelez International in 2012, with Rosenfeld serving as its Chairman and CEO.

Leadership Style and Achievements

Rosenfeld is known for her decisive leadership style and focus on innovation. She has been recognized for her ability to drive growth and navigate complex business challenges. Her tenure at Kraft Foods and Mondelez International was marked by a commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. She championed initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of the company's operations and improve the nutritional profile of its products.

Rosenfeld's leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the "World's Most Powerful Women" by Forbes and "CEO of the Year" by Chief Executive Magazine. She has also been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, promoting gender equality and supporting initiatives to advance women in leadership roles.

Retirement and Legacy

In 2017, Rosenfeld announced her retirement as CEO of Mondelez International, with Dirk Van de Put succeeding her. She continued to serve as Chairman of the Board until March 2018. Her legacy includes the successful transformation of Kraft Foods into a global powerhouse and the establishment of Mondelez International as a leading player in the snack industry.

Rosenfeld's impact on the food and beverage industry extends beyond her corporate achievements. She has been a mentor to many aspiring leaders and has served on the boards of several organizations, including PepsiCo and The Economic Club of Chicago. Her contributions to the industry and her commitment to corporate responsibility continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

Personal Life

Rosenfeld is married to Richard Rosenfeld, a corporate attorney. The couple has two children. Despite her demanding career, Rosenfeld has been known to prioritize her family and maintain a balance between her professional and personal life.