The Campbell’s Company announced two key appointments to its operating committee on Thursday, following the planned retirements of two long-tenured executives at the conclusion of the company’s current fiscal year.
Melissa Nippert will succeed Dan Poland as senior vice president and chief transformation officer, while Beth Jolly will step into the role of senior vice president and chief communications officer, succeeding Anthony Sanzio.
Mick Beekhuizen, Campbell’s president and chief executive officer, highlighted the importance of these roles in the company’s ongoing strategy. “Both functions are critical to Campbell’s as we strengthen operations, build capabilities, align stakeholders and execute our growth strategy,” Beekhuizen said. “These transitions reflect our thoughtful succession planning and development of talent with experienced leaders ready to build on our momentum.”
Nippert, who joined Campbell’s in 2022, has been instrumental in the company’s supply chain and enterprise excellence initiatives. In her new role as chief transformation officer, she will report directly to Beekhuizen. She succeeds Dan Poland, who served as executive vice president and chief enterprise transformation officer and is credited with building critical capabilities across the company’s functional areas.
Meanwhile, Jolly, a 23-year veteran of the company, will oversee internal and external communications, as well as The Campbell’s Foundation and community affairs initiatives. Reporting to Diane Johnson May, executive vice president and chief people and culture officer, Jolly brings extensive experience from her previous leadership roles directing brand public relations, internal communications, and divisional growth strategies.
Jolly succeeds Anthony Sanzio, who is retiring after nearly two decades at Campbell’s. Over his tenure, Sanzio led the communications function for more than 10 years, providing strategic guidance to four different CEOs through a rapidly changing media landscape.
“I want to thank Dan and Anthony for their many contributions to Campbell’s,” Beekhuizen said. “Dan’s leadership has strengthened our organization on multiple fronts, and Anthony has been a trusted partner who has made a lasting impact over nearly two decades with the company.”
