Starting this week, Sara Lee’s board has initiated a process to select a new chief executive officer, looking at both internal and external candidates. During the process, Marcel Smits will continue as interim chief executive officer and Mark Garvey will continue as interim chief financial officer. James S. Crown, an independent director, will remain chairman of the board, a role he assumed when Barnes’ leave of absence began, and he will continue to lead the Office of the Chairman, comprised of Crown, Smits and C.J. Fraleigh, chief executive officer of North American Retail and Foodservice.
"We fully support Brenda’s decision to step down as Chairman and CEO so she can devote all of her time and energy toward improving her health,” said Crown. “She is a remarkable leader who is admired by those inside and outside of the Sara Lee family, and we fully understand and respect her decision. We will conduct a thorough process to identify a CEO successor in a timely manner, and look forward to sustaining the momentum begun under Brenda’s leadership.”