PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Suppliers...

Nestle USA, Inc. has named Mike Nelson plant manager for the Solon, Ohio-based company's new $165 million frozen foods manufacturing facility in Jonesboro, Ark. Nelson, a Cleveland native, has worked with Nestle since 1990, and most recently played a lead role in coordinating a

"His knowledge and experience, particularly in our frozen foods business, prepare him particularly well for this critical role at our new facility in Jonesboro," said Jay Weaver, vice president of operations for Nestle USA's Prepared Foods Division.

The "state-of-the-art" manufacturing facility where Nestle will produce its Stouffer's and Lean Cuisine brands will include 325,000 square feet of manufacturing space. "Construction is moving forward on schedule and Nestle anticipates that production will begin during late spring of 2003," added Weaver.

Campbell Soup Company has named Mark Sarvary, a former top executive at Nestle USA, president of Pepperidge Farm, effective August 1, 2002. He succeeds David L. Albright. Sarvary, 43, was most recently CEO of J. Crew Group. From 1995-99 he held positions in Nestle's Frozen Food Division as vice president, marketing, assistant general manager, and president/general manager.

Unilever has appointed Henning Rehder group treasurer. Rehder's previous position was senior vice president, Finance, Ice Cream and Frozen Foods Global in the Netherlands.

ConAgra Foods has promoted Jeff DeLapp to the president's post at Lamb Weston U.S. The former COO of The Bruss Company, a meat producer, DeLapp was previously Lamb Weston's vice president of strategic development. He succeeds Bobby Horowitz, who was bumped up to co-chairman of Lamb Weston/Meijer, the company's European joint venture.

ConAgra has also brought on Chris Kircher as vice president, communications. Before joining ConAgra, Kircher worked for Hill and Knowlton, Inc., as senior managing director, corporate practice.

Retailers...

Ralphs Grocery Company has promoted Mike Vriens to vice president of its Industrial Engineering Department. Vriens, a 30-year supermarket industry veteran, most recently served as district manager in the greater Long Beach area.