Company News

Barnes to Step Down at Sara Lee

Smits to serve as interim chief executive officer.

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By: TOM BRANNA

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Sara Lee’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brenda Barnes will step down permanently as CEO and chairman after being on a medical leave since May, according to reports. The company said it has started a search for her successor.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Marcel Smits will continue as interim CEO, while Mark Garvey will continue as interim CFO.

Barnes, who suffered from a stroke that prompted her to abruptly take medical leave, became CEO in 2005. She also resigned from Sara Lee’s board of directors.

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