ORRVILLE, OHIO — John Brase, chief operating officer of the J.M. Smucker Co., has added the title of president, previously held by Mark Smucker, chairman and chief executive officer.

Brase’s promotion to president and COO is effective April 30, J.M. Smucker said. In the expanded role, he will continue to oversee the US Retail Coffee, US Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads, US Retail Pet Foods, Sweet Baked Snacks, and International and Away from Home businesses, plus the food and beverage company’s sales, operations and supply chain functions.

Besides expanded support in growing the business, Brase also will now participate in certain external engagements and industry associations to boost J.M. Smucker’s influence with its constituents, the company said. He will continue to report to Mark Smucker.

“This promotion acknowledges the breadth of John’s responsibilities and the positive impact he’s had on our business performance over the past five years,” said Mark Smucker, who has been president and CEO since May 2016, adding the chairman’s title in August 2022. “It also supports the ongoing development of our executive talent, as we continue to position the organization for long-term growth and success.”

Brase has served as J.M. Smucker’s COO since April 2020, when he joined the company after nearly 26 years at Procter & Gamble Co.

J.M. Smucker noted that Brase brings to the president and COO role more than three decades of experience in the consumer goods industry, including “significant work” across brand management, business operations, manufacturing, marketing and sales. The company credited him with sharpening the strategic and operational execution of its organization and portfolio, citing his “relentless focus on growth brands, simplification and passionate leadership.” In addition, J.M. Smucker said, he played a leading role in the launch of the company’s Transformation Office, which has generated significant cost savings and productivity improvements and provided more resources to invest in the business.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.