Heinz EVP Mike Milone retires from Heinz after 32 years of outstanding service

H.J. Heinz Company (NYSE: HNZ) today announced that Mike Milone, an Executive Vice President who led the dynamic growth of the Company’s Rest of World segment, will retire from Heinz in June after 32 years of exceptional service. Mr. Milone was also responsible for Global Enterprise Risk Management, Environmental Health, Safety & Sustainability, Quality and Infant/Nutrition.

“Under his strong leadership, Rest of World and Global Infant/Nutrition have become key growth engines for Heinz,” said Heinz Chairman, President and CEO William R. Johnson. “Mike has been an outstanding leader for Heinz for over three decades and was a key contributor to our recent acquisition of Quero, our first major business in Brazil. Mike has skillfully led the growth of our businesses in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East and will be greatly missed.”

Mr. Milone joined Heinz in 1980 as an Assistant Product Manager for Heinz U.S.A. He was quickly promoted through the ranks and held various positions including: Senior Product Manager, Heinz® Ketchup; General Manager, Condiments; General Manager, Dog Food Marketing; and Vice President, Pet Products Marketing. In 1996, he was appointed President and COO of Heinz Pet Products. In 1998, he was promoted to head Global Category Development for Heinz at World Headquarters. Mr. Milone became a Senior Vice President in 2000. He also served as CEO of StarKist Foods managing through the spin-off to Del Monte in 2002. After the Del Monte spin-off, he held several regional international roles heading Heinz businesses in Africa, Asia, India, Latin America and the Middle East. He has held the title of Executive Vice President since 2010.

With Mr. Milone’s retirement, the following Heinz executives will assume his responsibilities effective May 1:

David Woodward is promoted to President of Heinz Rest of World business and also joins the Office of the Chairman, reporting to Mr. Johnson. Mr. Woodward has driven the Company’s exceptionally strong performance in the UK and Ireland as President of that business since joining the Company in 2006. In January 2011, his role was expanded to include Africa and the Middle East (AME). Matt Hill will replace Mr. Woodward as President of the UK and Ireland business.

David Moran, Executive Vice President, President and CEO of Heinz Europe will assume the added responsibility of Global Infant/Nutrition. Under his leadership, Heinz has continued to deliver solid results in Europe despite the difficult economic environment. In his current role, Mr. Moran already has responsibility for Heinz’s business in Italy, where its Plasmon® brand of Infant/Nutrition products is the market leader.

Bob Ostryniec, Chief Supply Chain Officer, will assume the added responsibilities for Global Enterprise Risk Management, Environmental Health, Safety & Sustainability and Quality. His expanded role is a natural fit with his global oversight of all factories and the global supply chain.