J.M. Smucker Co. Announces CMO Gail Hollander's Retirement Plans Ahead of 2026
Gail Hollander to Retire as CMO of J.M. Smucker Co. in 2026
The J.M. Smucker Co. (NYSE: SJM) made headlines recently as it confirmed the planned retirement of its Chief Marketing Officer, Gail Hollander, effective from April 2026. This announcement marks a significant transition for one of the most recognized brands in North America as preparations begin for a seamless transition in leadership.
Gail Hollander joined The J.M. Smucker Co. as the Chief Marketing Officer in 2023. Before joining Smucker, she had a progressive career for over 20 years with Publicis Groupe, where she showcased her marketing prowess. In her role as President and Groupe Client Lead, she forged a successful collaboration with Smucker that significantly invigorated its marketing strategies. Under her guidance, Smucker not only refined its approach to brand marketing but also introduced innovative models that married creativity with robust data analytics.
Mark Smucker, the CEO and Chair of the Board, praised Hollander's contributions, stating, "Gail has been instrumental in building our world-class brand-building model while supporting our people and culture. Through her leadership and the exceptional team she has mentored, we have developed a powerful marketing organization that has supported the growth of many of our iconic brands."
Under Hollander's stewardship, The J.M. Smucker Co. has seen a remarkable evolution in its marketing framework that enhanced consumer engagement and brand recognition across numerous product portfolio segments. Hollander reflected on her journey, stating, "I’m proud and humbled by the impact my team has had on our brands and the categories we participate in as we transformed our brand-building model, elevated our creative execution, and enhanced our media strategy to deliver meaningful reach and engagement."
Besides outlining the transition plan, Smucker's leadership expressed confidence in the remaining team’s ability to sustain the company's growth trajectory and consistently innovate. Hollander emphasized, "Smucker has an exceptional portfolio of brands and a talented team behind them that pushes the envelope every single day. I look forward to watching what this team does in the future to take these brands and this Company to even greater heights."
The process to fill Hollander's position will commence shortly, ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible. Smucker is keen to find a successor who not only understands the brand's ethos but also resonates with its mission to deliver quality products that consumers love.
About The J.M. Smucker Co.
The J.M. Smucker Co. takes pride in creating food products that both people and pets enjoy, offering a wide range of brands available throughout North America. Operating in sectors such as coffee, fruit spreads, pet snacks, and frozen foods, Smucker is synonymous with trust and quality. Their popular brands, including Folgers®, Dunkin'®, Jif®, and Milk-Bone®, cater to families every day.
With a commitment to ethical practices and quality production, the company aims to positively impact society while cultivating sustainable growth. Eager to uphold its reputation, the company is excited about the future and the forthcoming leadership changes that will further cement its standing in the market.