DEERFIELD, IL: Mondelez International has brought on Kraft Foods executive Russ Dyer as VP of global communications.
Dyer stepped into the role, the top communications position at the company, on Thursday, he told PRWeek via email.
He is responsible for all strategic communications plans and is overseeing global internal and external communications activities for the company, according to his LinkedIn profile. He has replaced Sara Sizer, who recently left the organization, according to a company representative.
Dyer most recently served as Kraft’s VP of corporate affairs. He was promoted to the role in March, just before Kraft made public its plan to merge with Heinz and create the fifth-largest food and drinks company in the world.
He joined Kraft in 2012 as associate director of corporate affairs. The company promoted him to director of the department the following year, then to senior director in 2014.
"We thank Russ for his service to Kraft Heinz and wish him the best in his future endeavors," Michael Mullen, Kraft Heinz's SVP of corporate and government affairs, told PRWeek via email.
He did not comment on whether Dyer, part of PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 class for 2015, will be replaced.
In October 2012, Kraft Foods split into US grocery company Kraft Foods Group and global snack business Mondelez International. At the end of last year, Kraft decided to retain all 12 of its PR firms in North America despite parting ways with most of its advertising agencies.
Before Kraft, Dyer worked at Weber Shandwick as a director for nearly seven years. He also previously served as pre-conveyance communications manager at HomeSource Real Estate Asset Management.
Mondelez CEO Irene Rosenfeld has been defending her moves to cut costs at the food products company from activist investors who say she could do more.
Mondelez is shifting more marketing to social media and other digital channels, The Wall Street Journal reported in August. The company is also introducing its products to new markets and creating healthier snacks, with the goal of placing half of its product portfolio in the "well-being space" by 2020. This week, Mondelez said it is removing artificial colors and flavors from packaged food brands.
Dyer could not be immediately reached for additional comment.
This story was updated on October 2 with information about Dyer's predecessor.
