BATTLE CREEK, Mich.— Kellogg Co. made two leadership changes to help drive the company’s growth strategy in the North American and European regions. Chris Hood, currently president of Kellogg Europe, has been named president of Kellogg North America, reporting to chairman and chief executive officer Steve Cahillane. The company also appointed Dave Lawlor, currently serving as vice president of European cereal business, to president of Kellogg Europe.

“Chris is a talented executive who has successfully led our European business through challenging market conditions and expansion into new markets, revitalizing our marketing and innovation activity and improving our profitability,” said Cahillane. “In recent months, I’ve had the opportunity to spend more time with the Kellogg North America businesses, and I am confident that they are on firm strategic and financial footing. Chris is the right person to build on the progress the team has made.”

Hood will lead the portfolio of businesses within the company’s largest region — U.S. Morning Foods, U.S. Snacks, U.S. Frozen Foods, U.S. Specialty Channels, Kashi and Canada. He replaces Paul Norman who left the company earlier this year.

A seasoned consumer packaged goods leader, Hood joined Kellogg in 2012 as part of the Pringles acquisition after 19 years with Procter & Gamble Co., where he was vice president and general manager for Pringles North American business.

Dave Lawlor, vice president of European cereal business, will succeed Hood as president of Kellogg Europe, also reporting to Cahillane.

Lawlor began his Kellogg career in sales in Ireland in 1991. Over the past 27 years, he has held increasingly senior commercial roles, including leading the company’s businesses in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Russia and United Kingdom/Ireland.

Added Cahillane, “These two internal promotions reflect the caliber of talent we have in our organization. Both have the experience and skills to lead and execute our ‘Deploy for Growth strategy’.”

Both leadership changes are effective July 1, 2018,to ensure a smooth transition, the company said.