Mars, Inc.

Anheuser-Busch InBev, St. Louis

Susan Topel has joined the manufacturer as a shopper insights analyst.

In this newly created role, the new COO will have responsibility for McCormick's businesses worldwide.

From acquisitions and divestitures to name changes and new leadership appointments, 2013 was full of memorable moments. This annual list of the top publicly traded consumer goods companies provides a snapshot of organizations that succeeded in upping their growth games.

The executive has established an impressive record of leadership and collaboration through various roles with Mars over the past 22 years.

As announced in February, the new candidate is replacing Gary Fayard who is retiring after 20 years with the company.

Consumer confidence was a bit manic in 2012, hitting a five-year high in November and then dropping again in December as consumers doubted an end to the fiscal cliff. The impact of this uncertainty plays out in the results of this annual listing of the top-performing public consumer goods companies.

For the first time in a long time, this year's listing of the top 100 public consumer goods companies tells more good news than bad. The majority of companies realized modest revenue growth despite ongoing economic challenges; and some categories, like Food and Apparel, posted sales gains across the board. Read on to find out how your company, your partners and/or your competitors performed by comparison.