George A. Chivari Named President and CEO of Sara Lee Bakery - North America

Sara Lee Corp., Chicago, Ill., has announced the appointment of George A. Chivari as president and chief executive officer of Sara Lee Bakery--North America, effective immediately. Chivari will continue to serve as chief executive officer of Sara Lee's Bil Mar Foods division.

Chivari, 46, has been president and chief executive officer of Bil Mar Foods since July 1994. Based in Zeeland, Mich., Bil Mar manufactures and markets packaged meats under the Mr. Turkey and Sara Lee brands. In his new capacity, Chivari also will oversee North American operations for Sara Lee Bakery. He reports to James R. Carlson, chief executive officer of Sara Lee Corporation's U.S. Foods Group and a senior vice president of the corporation. Carlson reports to C. Steven McMillan, president of Sara Lee Corporation.

``George Chivari has effectively managed the extension of the Sara Lee brand into premium packaged meats, free-standing food kiosks and our recently introduced prepared-meal offering, Sara Lee Today's Selection,'' said McMillan. ``Managing the portfolio of Sara Lee-branded food products within a single organization enables us to leverage the power of the brand and continue its strong growth.''

Chivari joined Sara Lee Corporation in 1988 as national sales manager for the foodservice division of Bil Mar Foods. Prior to joining Sara Lee, he held positions of increasing responsibility with several leading food companies including Oscar Mayer, Frito-Lay/PepsiCo and General Foods. Chivari holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northern Illinois University.