Frozen food giantPinnacle Foods Group LLC, Mountain Lakes, N.J., said it hiredRobert J. ("Bob") Gamgortas its chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Gamgort replaces Jeffrey Ansell, who is leaving to pursue other interests. In conjunction, Pinnacle said Roger Deromedi, executive chairman of Pinnacle's board of directors, will become non-executive chairman.

Since 2002, Gamgort has served as president, North America at Mars Incorporated. There, he managed an $8 billion portfolio of confectionery, main meal, pet food and retail businesses. Prior to joining Mars, Gamgort was president of Major League Baseball Properties.

"Bob is one of the most talented and respected executives in the food industry, with a demonstrated ability to lead and innovate," said Deromedi.

Pinnacle has a broad dry and frozen consumer brands portfolio. It's frozen food business includes Swanson and Hungry-Man frozen dinners, Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast products, Van de Kamp's and Mrs. Paul's frozen seafood, Lender's bagels and Celeste frozen pizza.