The Hillshire Brands Co. announced that Dennis (Denny) Belcastro will become vice president, government and industry affairs. Belcastro will develop and implement the company's engagement strategy with federal, state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies and key policymakers in addition to managing strategic customer and industry events. He will join the company on July 30, 2012.

"Denny's ability to facilitate relationships with all levels of government and across the industry will help Hillshire Brands navigate and respond to the regulatory environment that surrounds modern food production," said Sean Connolly, chief executive officer, Hillshire Brands. "We are pleased to have him bring his knowledge of the industry and food business acumen to Hillshire Brands."

Most recently, Belcastro was executive vice president for industry affairs and collaboration at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). At GMA, he led the Industry Affairs Council, one of three key industry guidance and governance committees that represent more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies.

Belcastro, with more than 35 years of experience, worked at Kraft Foods North America, where he served first as vice president, central area sales direct store delivery business and later as vice president, industry affairs and customer development. Prior to his work at Kraft, Belcastro was at Nabisco Inc. as vice president, customer development and industry relations. He began his career at Standards Brands Inc.

Belcastro received his bachelor's degree in Communication from Edinboro University and his Executive Master of Science in Business Organization and Communication from Northwestern University.

Source: Hillshire Brands