Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> December 1, 2003
MURRAY S. KESSLER serves as President of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company,
the world's largest smokeless tobacco manufacturer. He is also
responsible for the company's international, US. Cigar Sales, Inc., and
Profigen operations. Under his leadership, USSTC has launched a multi-
year strategic plan focused on growing the smokeless tobacco category
for adult consumers through brand-building activities, next-generation
product development and effective resource allocation. Prior to being
named President in April 2000, he served as Senior Vice President
responsible for sales and marketing. Mr. Kessler joined USSTC with more
than 18 years of consumer packaged goods experience at companies
including Campbell Soup and Clorox. He has had management responsibility
for such major brands as Swanson Frozen Foods, Pace picante sauces,
Prego pasta sauces, Franco-American pastas and gravies, and Clorox
bleaches. He also has launched new products that now represent more than
$600 million in sales. Mr. Kessler received his BS in Business
Administration from Villanova University and his MBA in Marketing and
Finance from New York University. He is a member of the Young
Presidents' Organization, Grocery Manufacturers of America, National
Association of Convenience Stores, American Wholesale Marketers
Association and serves as a champion for the National Council for
Executive Women. Profile
Mr. Kessler: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco is a subsidiary of UST. We represent
the lion's share of sales and earnings for the
