Company News

Barnes to Step Down at Sara Lee

Smits to serve as interim chief executive officer.

Sara Lee’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brenda Barnes will step down permanently as CEO and chairman after being on a medical leave since May, according to reports. The company said it has started a search for her successor.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Marcel Smits will continue as interim CEO, while Mark Garvey will continue as interim CFO.

Barnes, who suffered from a stroke that prompted her to abruptly take medical leave, became CEO in 2005. She also resigned from Sara Lee’s board of directors.

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