Global food processing giant McCain Foods Limited, Flornceville, N.B., Canada, named Dirk Van de Put as chief operating officer, effective May 17th, 2010.

Quick-service restaurant operator Church’s Chicken, Atlanta, said it hired several industry veterans  to lead the company's functional areas.

RLS Logistics, Malaga, N.J., hired John Pluciennik as vice president of business development. Pluciennik will assist RLS' current business and be responsible for regional growth initiatives outside the Northeast.

Supermarket retailer Safeway Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., said Texas Division President Tom Schwilke will join the company’s corporate merchandising team as president & general manager, perishables.

An expanding product line led The Original Rangoon Company, a Needham, Mass., business known for frozen appetizers, to change its name to ORC Foods, Inc.

The H.J. Heinz Company, Pittsburgh, said it promoted Karen Alber to senior vice president, chief information officer and global program management officer.

Eugene Freezing & Storage, Eugene, Ore., said it has united its Eugene and Albany, Ore., warehouses under the same new name: SnoTemp Cold Storage.

Meat, bakery and prepared foods giant Sara Lee Corp., Downers Grove, Ill., said last Friday that Chairman & CEO Brenda Barnes will take a temporary medical leave of absence.

Jamba, Inc., Emeryville, Calif., said it hired Julie Washington as vice president of consumer products, licensing and growth initiatives for Jamba Juice Co.