#United States #J.M. Smucker #Orrville #Chief Marketing Officer #Katie Williams

Katie Williams Appointed Chief Marketing Officer at J.M. Smucker Co.

On February 5, 2026, The J.M. Smucker Co. made headlines with its announcement of the appointment of Katie Williams as Chief Marketing Officer. This transition is set to take effect on March 9, 2026, marking a significant leadership change within the organization as she will report directly to Mark Smucker, the CEO and Chair of the Board.

A New Chapter for Smucker's Marketing

Katie Williams is stepping into a role that will rely heavily on her extensive experience in building reputable brands. With over two decades of expertise under her belt, Williams has a well-documented history of driving successful marketing strategies that resonate with consumers. Her prior role as U.S. Chief Marketing Officer for Haleon, a renowned consumer health company, has equipped her with a deep understanding of brand management within a competitive landscape.

During her tenure at Haleon, Williams was instrumental in shaping the commercial and brand strategies for a portfolio that includes globally recognized brands such as Advil®, Sensodyne®, Tums®, EmergenC®, and Centrum®. This background will be pivotal for her success at Smucker’s, where brand loyalty and quality are paramount.

Transition from Haleon to Smucker

Before Haleon's independent operation following its spin-off from GSK in 2022, Williams had served GSK in various marketing leadership capacities. Her career also includes valuable experiences at Mondelēz International and Kraft-Heinz, where she honed her skills in market analysis and team leadership. In her new capacity at Smucker, Williams expressed her excitement, stating, “Throughout my career, I have relentlessly focused on driving sustainable brand growth and building high-performing teams. I look forward to continuing this work at Smucker. I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as a steward for this incredible portfolio and to support this team's continued success in building brands consumers love.”

Focused Leadership

Katie Williams will take over the responsibilities from Gail Hollander, who had previously announced her retirement but will continue to provide advisory support until April 30, 2026. This transition is expected to bring fresh perspectives to Smucker’s marketing strategies and further enhance its brand portfolio.

The J.M. Smucker Co., known for its popular brands such as Folgers®, Dunkin'®, Jif®, and Smucker's®, maintains a commitment to delivering high-quality products that resonate with families across North America. As Williams begins her journey, industry experts anticipate that her leadership will steer the company towards innovative marketing approaches that align with changing consumer preferences.

Looking Ahead

The significance of Katie Williams' appointment is underscored by the competitive nature of the consumer product market, where brand perception can significantly influence consumer choices. Under her guidance, Smucker’s is expected to strengthen its marketing capabilities and drive growth in brand equity. As the company embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders look forward to seeing how Williams will leverage her expertise to propel the iconic brand forward.

In summary, Katie Williams’ appointment signals a fresh, strategic approach to marketing at The J.M. Smucker Co. With an impressive background and an enthusiastic outlook, she is set to make an impactful contribution to the company’s success in the years to come.