Conagra Snags Innovation Exec from Mondelez

Conagra Brands announced that Barry Calpino has joined the company as vice president of innovation. He will report to chief growth officer Darren Serrao.

"Barry is an experienced and accomplished leader with a track record of innovation and new product success at several of the most respected consumer packaged goods companies," said Darren Serrao, chief growth officer. "He's made a name for himself delivering on big bets and breakthrough ideas, and as Conagra Brands continues to build its innovation pipeline and cultivate more of an entrepreneurial culture, his expertise and leadership will be a tremendous asset."

Calpino will focus on driving rapid innovation and growth across Conagra's brand portfolio. An integral part of the company's Growth Center of Excellence, he will be responsible for the direction and success of cross-functional teams made up of consumer insights, marketing, research & development, packaging and design.

Calpino was most recently vice president, global platform innovation at Mondelez International, where he drove such initiatives as the creation, development and launch of the new Vea brand. Previously, he was vp of breakthrough innovation at Kraft Foods Group, where he helped double the company's innovation rate in three years. He also is an adjunct professor of marketing at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Conagra Brands ranked 34th on CGT's list of the Top 100 Consumer Goods Companies for 2016.