Mondelez North America chief leaves company

DEERFIELD - Roberto Marques, president of Mondelez International's North American operations, is stepping down, the global snack maker announced.

The company did not state a reason for Marques' departure. Chief Growth Officer Tim Cofer will serve as Interim President of the North American business, in addition to his current role spearheading the company's global growth strategy, while the company recruits a permanent successor to lead the region.

"Over the past two years under Roberto Marques' leadership, the North American team has been executing a large transformation, which has resulted in significant progress on our margin agenda, while stepping up our participation in growth areas such as Well-being, broader channel penetration, especially in e-commerce, as well as entering the U.S. Chocolate market," said Chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld,

In his 25 years with the company, Cofer has led the company's regions in Europe, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, progressing our margin agenda, expanding market shares and driving long-term profitable growth. In addition, Cofer previously led two legacy Kraft North American businesses, Oscar Mayer and Kraft Pizza Company.

Marques will work with Cofer over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Executives of Mondelez International recently provided an update on the company's strategic plans during a presentation at the Consumer Analysts Group of New York conference. The detailed plan to expand margins and accelerate revenue growth includes contemporizing the company's core business, innovating to expand into new consumer need states and geographies, and ensuring that our brands are available whenever and wherever people shop.

The company reaffirmed its financial outlook for 2017 and will release its first quarter financial results on Tuesday, May 2, as previously announced.