Campbell Soup Company, Camden, N.J., said it promotedMark Alexanderto president ofCampbell North America. Officials said Alexander, most recently president of Campbell International, will lead the division of the company that includes Campbell’s North America Soup, Sauces and Beverages business, Campbell Canada, and Campbell’s North America Food Service business, which collectively account for approximately $4.6 billion in annual revenue. His appointment is effective Jan. 16, 2012.

Alexander succeedsSean Connolly, who is leaving Campbell to joinSara Lee Corp. as chief executive officer of itsNorth American Retail and Foodservice business, and will serve as CEO ofSara Lee’s North American Meatsbusiness following that company’s planned spinoff of its international coffee and tea business.

Campbell President & CEO Denise Morrison noted, "Mark [Alexander] is an outstanding executive with a proven track record of success in critical management roles at Campbell, including the management of soup businesses in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. He was instrumental to the development of our company’s new strategic framework and has close familiarity with the Campbell North America business and its leadership team.

"During a career at Campbell that has spanned more than two decades, Mark has delivered consistently strong performance and demonstrated exemplary leadership skills. I am confident that, under his leadership, Campbell North America will maintain its strong progress in stabilizing and then profitably growing U.S. Soup and Simple Meals, and continue to advance the consumer-driven innovation and brand-building initiatives that are now well underway across our North American businesses."

Officials said that since joining Campbell in 1989, Alexander has held marketing, sales and management roles in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. Before assuming his current role as president – Campbell International, with responsibility for the company’s businesses in Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, Alexander served as chief customer officer and president – North America Baking and Snacking. During his tenure as president – Asia Pacific from 2006 through 2009, Campbell’s businesses in the region consistently delivered strong results, officials said.

Alexander was elected a corporate officer of Campbell in 2009, and is a member of both the company’s leadership team and operating committee. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science from Queen’s University in Canada.