C. Scott O'Hara will join the H.J. Heinz Company on January 1, 2006, in the newly created position of executive vice president -- Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. He will report directly to Heinz chairman, president and chief executive officer William R. Johnson and will serve as a member of the office of the chairman. O'Hara will be based at Heinz World Headquarters in Pittsburgh. He will have responsibility for Heinz businesses in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

"Scott O'Hara is a key addition to our management team. He is highly regarded by his peers and brings with him 20 years of experience in the consumer products industry, with more than six years managing international businesses," Johnson said. "Scott's insight into brand building, product innovation and the global marketplace perfectly complement Heinz's strategic growth plans."

O'Hara is currently senior vice president -- Europe for Gillette Group International, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Prior to this, he held a number of senior management positions with Gillette in London and Rijswijk, Netherlands. His Gillette career included management positions with the company's Gillette, Braun and Oral-B Laboratories businesses in the food, drug, mass merchandiser and club channels. In 1984, he earned a BSBA degree from the University of South Florida, Tampa.

"Heinz has a history of innovation and world-class brands," O'Hara said. "The focus on the core categories of ketchup, condiments & sauces; meals & snacks; and infant nutrition means that Heinz is uniquely positioned to satisfy consumer needs in fast-growing emerging markets. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Heinz team to fully maximize the potential of the Heinz brands in this region."