Yankee Candle Names Polk to Board

The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., South Deerfield, MA, appointed Michael B. Polk to the board of directors. Mr. Polk is currently group vice president, Kraft Foods North America and also serves as president of Kraft Foods North America’s biscuits, snacks and confectionery divisions. Mr. Polk was also named to the Yankee’s compensation committee of the board of directors.

“We are extremely pleased that Mike has agreed to join our board, and we look forward to the many contributions that he will make as we continue to grow our company,” said Craig W. Rydin, board chairman and chief executive officer. “Mike brings to the board a broad range of management experience both domestically and internationally.”

Mr. Polk joined Kraft Foods, Inc. in 1987 and was appointed to his current position of group vice president, Kraft Foods North America in 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Polk held several positions of increasing responsibility with Kraft Foods, including group vice president, Kraft Foods International, executive vice president of Kraft Foods North America and general manager of Kraft’s Post cereal division and vice president, category sales management and strategy. Prior to joining Kraft, Mr. Polk held various positions at Procter & Gamble.

Mr. Polk succeeds Michael J. Ovitz who elected not to stand for re-election to another term in order to devote more time to other endeavors.