Betsy Holden

Betsy Dehaas Holden (born October 19, 1955) is an American businesswoman, and corporate director of Tribune Company. Holden served as Co-CEO of Kraft Foods from 2001 to 2004.^[1][2] She is a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company and a member of the Duke University Board of Trustees.^[3]

Early life

She was born in Lubbock, Texas. She grew up in Washington, Pennsylvania. Her father was an obstetrician and her mother, a former accountant, was a homemaker. Holden has two siblings.

Holden received her A.B. from Duke University in 1977, and an M.Ed and an MBA from Northwestern University in 1978 1982.^[4]

Career

Holden began her career as an assistant product manager in the deserts division of General Foods Corporation. In 1987, she became group brand manager of confections and snacks at Kraft. In 1990, she was appointed a vice president. Holden became an executive vice president in 1995 and president of the Cheese division in 1997. In 1998, Holden was named executive vice president of Kraft Foods. In 2000, Holden was named president and CEO of Kraft Foods North America. In 2001, Holden became Co-CEO of Kraft Foods. However, in 2004, Holden was demoted to president of global marketing and category development.^[5]

References