Former Kraft Foods Exec Named DePaul VP

A new face is joining the ranks of officials at DePaul University, according to a recent announcement issued by the school.

Stephanie Smith, who led human resources for Kraft Foods’ largest region, has been named vice president for human resources. She was the senior vice president for the Kraft Foods North America HR department until September 2010, and joined DePaul's staff Nov. 26, according to a written statement.

Smith will step into the post that has been held on an interim basis by DePaul’s Deputy General Counsel Kathy Stieber.

“I am drawn to DePaul because it is a mission—and values-driven institution," Smith, a first-generation college student, said in a news release. "It will be extremely rewarding to work in service to future generations. I believe it is an organization where I can best leverage my skills and have a significant impact.”

Over the course of a 30-year corporate career, Smith said, “I’ve been well-trained at looking at strategic plans and determining the HR implications that can help grow the plan. You need a great plan, of course, but the critical part is executing. I look forward to working in collaboration with faculty, staff and administration to achieve the vision for the university.”

“We are thrilled to have such an accomplished and dedicated leader like Stephanie Smith on our Human Resources team,” Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, president of DePaul University, said in the release.

Robert Kozoman, DePaul’s executive vice president, said the timing of Stephanie’s appointment could not be better.

"The university is embarking on a new strategic plan in Vision 2018, and two of the goals recognize the vital role of staff in the university’s operations," he said in a statement. "Stephanie’s extensive experience in senior human resources roles and proven track record of success will be true assets to the university as it tackles Vision 2018. I am very pleased to welcome someone with her talent and leadership acumen to the university.”

Smith was a key member of Kraft Foods’ senior leadership team from 2007 to 2010. She managed a group of 14 vice presidents and director-level HR professionals in the U.S. and Canada.

Among Smith’s key accomplishments was leading the restructuring of the North American region into eight autonomous yet functionally integrated business units, the release said.

She also managed the HR-related elements of the acquisition and integration of Cadbury U.S. and the divestiture and sale of Kraft’s pizza business to Nestle. She spearheaded the restructuring and formation of Kraft’s snacks and confections business arising from the Cadbury acquisition.

Smith, who joined Kraft in 1990 as a resources information services specialist for compensation, benefits and human resources, ascended into roles of greater authority in several divisions throughout her career. Most recently, she has been an HR consultant to organizations and nonprofits, including the Chicago High School for the Performing Arts.

She has long been active in the community, serving as a board trustee for Steppenwolf Theatre, and the board of directors for the Yellow Tractor Program, which advocates for sustainable growth and food security by building vegetable and fruit gardens.

She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization of African-American executives whose mission is to develop leaders and build an inclusive leadership pipeline in companies and institutions.

A native of Detroit, Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Science in journalism from Northwestern University.

This information was provided by DePaul University.

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