December 1/Camden, N.J./Business Wire -- Campbell Soup Company has announced the appointment of Keith Olscamp as vice president Business Development and Industry Relations. Olscamp will report to Campbell president Global Sales and chief customer officer, Archbold D. van Beuren.

Olscamp succeeds Richard Smith, who will retire in the fall of 2009, following a distinguished 37-year career at Campbell. Smith will work closely with Olscamp in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition of key customer, industry and other business relationships.

Olscamp will be responsible for maintaining strong relationships with the senior executives at Campbell's customers. He will be a key Campbell representative to major food retailing and manufacturing industry associations, including FMI (Food Marketing Institute), GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association), NGA (National Grocer's Association) and others, helping to advance industry issues. In addition, he will be responsible for benchmarking customer engagement within the industry. The role will have a global scope, with a focus on North America.

"Keith Olscamp was selected for this critical role based on his strong track record at Campbell and his reputation as a sales leader within the industry," said van Beuren. "Keith is an advocate for our customers, and has demonstrated an outstanding ability to collaborate. He has a keen understanding of the industry landscape and the importance of balancing the needs of retailers and manufacturers, as well as the industry at large."

Commenting on Smith's retirement, van Beuren said, "I'd like to take this preliminary opportunity to thank Richard Smith for his many contributions during his distinguished Campbell career. Richard has been an integral part of the Campbell Soup Company, and will leave behind a legacy of outstanding leadership, solid business results and profound dedication to our company. I am confident that Keith will build upon Richard's excellent work."

Olscamp joined Campbell in 1979. Throughout his career, he has held field sales and Campbell world headquarters positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, Olscamp was vice president - Retail & Broker Sales Operations, leading retail operations for the Campbell Sales Company, the selling organization for the company's largest business unit. He also led the headquarters businesses managed by Acosta Sales & Marketing Company. Olscamp earned a degree in marketing from St. Bonaventure University.

From the December 5, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash