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Fast facts: William R. Johnson
Monday, May 18, 1998
William R. Johnson
Age: 49
Title: Chief executive officer, H.J. Heinz Co.
Birthplace: Tyler, Texas.
Education: University of California-Los Angeles, B.A. in political science, 1971; University of Texas-Austin, M.B.A., 1974.
Career Path: Joined the former Drackett Co. in Cincinnati as assistant brand manager, 1974; joined Ralston-Purina in St. Louis, 1977; worked briefly for Frito-Lay in Dallas, then moved to the now defunct Anderson-Clayton Foods, also in Dallas, as group product manager, 1979. Later promoted to vice president and director of marketing for consumer products; joined Heinz U.S.A. in Pittsburgh as general manager of new business, 1982, subsequently serving as general manager of marketing and vice president of marketing. Appointed president and chief executive officer of Heinz Pet Products, Long Beach, Calif, 1988. Two years later moved pet products headquarters to Newport, Ky., outside Cincinnati. Added supervision of StarKist seafood when business was merged with pet food under the Star-Kist Foods Inc. banner in 1992. September 1993 named a senior vice president and director of H.J. Heinz Co. with additional responsibility for the company's Asia-Pacific operation. Promoted to president and chief operating officer, June 1996, transferring to Pittsburgh. December 1997 elected chief executive officer, effective April 30.
Family: Wife, Susie; son, Brad, 21; daughter, Tracy, 18. Two dogs, one cat.
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