Horst Schroeder has resigned as the nonexecutive chairman of American Italian Pasta Co., but he remains a director. He will continue to receive consulting compensation.

Schroeder has been replaced by William R. Patterson, an outside director at the pasta-making company since 1997. Patterson will also remain as chairman of the company's audit committee.

Schroeder, who is not an executive, was chairman of American Italian since June 1991. He will continue to receive the base compensation as spelled out in an existing consulting contract through Sept. 30, 2006. Schroeder is a past president and chief operating officer of Kellogg Co.