February 4/Pittsburgh, Pa. -- The H. J. Heinz Company announced that Ted Smyth, chief administrative officer and senior vice president of Corporate and Government Affairs has decided to retire from Heinz after 21 years of service to the company.

"Ted has contributed enormously to the success of our company, deploying his intelligence, consumer insight, communication skills and excellent judgment to help drive global growth and shareholder value," said William R. Johnson, chairman, president and CEO. "His infectious optimism and energy have helped us build and sustain the talent management process which has made Heinz very competitive in the food industry. We will miss Ted both personally and professionally, but wish him well in his new home of New York where he will commence his new career as executive vice president of corporate affairs at the McGraw-Hill Companies."

Heinz also announced that Steve Clark, chief people officer, will be promoted to the office of the chairman, and Michael Mullen will be promoted to vice president of Corporate & Government Affairs, responsible for leading the communications and government affairs functions for Heinz.

"Steve and Michael are experienced and talented executives, and I look forward to them excelling in their enhanced roles," said Johnson.

From the February 16, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition