CAG ConAgra Brands Inc

ConAgra Foods announced today that Al Bolles, Ph.D., has joined the company as executive vice president, Research & Development and Quality. In this role, he will oversee the company's Product Quality and Development function, including the Centers of Excellence, enterprise quality and product development. Bolles, 48, most recently was head of worldwide research and development for PepsiCo Beverages and Foods. In that position, he led significant expansion of major brands and directed several major product launches. His accomplishments also include expanding technical lab capabilities, developing health and wellness and international expansion platforms for growth, and enhancing PepsiCo brand equity through technical innovation. Before his lead R&D position at PepsiCo, Bolles was senior vice president, Global Technology and Quality, and chief technical officer for Tropicana. He began his career at General Foods and held leadership positions at Gerber Products before joining Tropicana. "Al Bolles is a proven leader in food sciences and has a strong history of developing innovative products that have driven profitable growth," Chief Executive Officer Gary Rodkin said. Bolles has a Ph.D. and master's degree in food science and a bachelor's degree in microbiology, all from Michigan State University. He holds several patents and has won numerous awards for his contributions to the world of food science. Bolles replaces Dr. Pat Verduin, who has led Product Quality & Development at ConAgra Foods since 2002. Verduin announced a personal decision to leave the company last year, and is assisting Al in the transition. ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is one of North America's largest packaged food companies, serving grocery retailers, as well as restaurants and other foodservice establishments. Popular ConAgra Foods consumer brands include: Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt's, Marie Callender's, Orville Redenbacher's, PAM, and many others. For more information, please visit us at www.conagrafoods.com.