Key leaders depart at Nike, YouTube, Kroger

Head of YouTube departs

Susan Wojcicki is departing the top role at YouTube after nine years in the role. Wojcicki joined Google 25 years ago, and worked on a variety of initiatives and products, including Google Image Search, AdSense, DoubleClick and served as SVP of Ads. Wojcicki is leaving to “start a new chapter focused on my family, health, and personal projects I'm passionate about.” Neal Mohan, who is currently serving as chief product officer, will step into the role as head of YouTube.

“With all we’re doing across Shorts, streaming, and subscriptions, together with the promises of AI, YouTube’s most exciting opportunities are ahead, and Neal is the right person to lead us,” Wojcicki wrote.

Nike’s digital chief resigns

Ratnakar Lavu resigned as global chief digital information officer of Nike, Business Insider reported. An internal announcement was made on Monday, and did not give a reason for Lavu’s sudden departure. Lavu was previously the top tech executive at Kohl’s, and joined Nike in 2019. He has been with the company as it undertook a push to emphasize direct-to-consumer sales, powered by digital commerce that is accessed through Nike’s apps and experiences.

Kroger ecommerce head joins IVFH

Bill Bennett is set to join specialty food-focused ecommerce platform Innovative Food Holdings as CEO. Bennett previously served as VP of ecommerce for Kroger, and prior to that worked in a variety of ecommerce and store leadership roles at Walmart. He will succeed Sam Klepfish, who is stepping down on Feb. 28.

Essity hires chief communications officer

Jessica Alm is joining hygiene and health company Essity as chief communications officer. Alm joins the Purex and Velvet owner from the industrial company Sandvik, where she served as head of group communications and other roles over the last 17 years. She succeeds Joséphine Edwall Björklund, who is taking on a new role as senior advisor after a decade.

Ocean Spray appoints CFO

Ocean Spray Cranberries appointed Kristin Forney as chief financial officer. Forney joins the CPG brand from Hain Celestial Group, where she served as SVP of finance for North America. She also held financial leadership roles at ConAgra Brands over 15 years.

YETI names CFO

Mike McMullen was named SVP, chief financial officer and treasurer at YETI. He is taking on the permanent position after serving as interim CFO since October 2022. McMullen joined the digitally native outdoor products brand in 2016, and helped to lead the company through its IPO in 2018.

Swarovski hires CFO

David Wielemans was named chief financial officer at crystal products maker Swarovski. He joins from Essilor/Luxottica, where he previously served in a co-CFO role. He succeeds Frederik Westring, who is currently serving as CFO ad interim and will depart at the end of June.