Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> June 10, 2002
STEVE PICKMAN serves as Vice President of Corporate Communications and
Marketing Services for MGP Ingredients, Inc., in Atchison, Kansas. In
this capacity, he directs the company's public relations, investor
relations, community relations and advertising programs. He oversees all
corporate promotional and branding activities and has an integral role
in strategic planning and development. Mr. Pickman joined MGPI in 1985,
initially serving as Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Administration for the company's former subsidiary, McCormick
Distilling, in Weston, Missouri. In 1989, he was appointed Corporate
Director of Public and Investor Relations for MGPI, and in 1999 was
promoted to Executive Director of Corporate Relations. He was elevated
to Vice President of Corporate Communications and Marketing Services in
2000. Prior to his employment with MGPI, Mr. Pickman served as Director
of Public Relations at Benedictine College in Atchison from 1979 to 1985
after spending one year as Assistant Director of Public Relations at
that institution. From 1975 to 1978, he was employed by the Atchison
Daily Globe as a feature writer and photographer (1975-1976) and as Area
Editor (1976-1978). Mr. Pickman graduated from Benedictine College,
Atchison, in 1975 with a Bachelor's degree in English and a minor in
journalism. Profile
MICHAEL TRAUTSCHOLD has been Executive Vice President of Marketing and
Sales for Midwest Grain Products, Inc., since September 2000. He reports
directly to the CEO and has been a driving force in shaping strategies
for success in the company's shift from a mainly commodity-based focus
to a more value-added orientation. Before his arrival at Midwest Grain,
Mr. Trautschold served as the Vice President of Product Strategy in the
Consumer Direct Division of Schwan's Sales Enterprises. In this
position, he was responsible for developing product strategy and
managing new product efforts for the company's Frozen Food Home Delivery
business. From 1989 to 1998, Mr. Trautschold held various executive
positions with ConAgra, Inc., including Vice President of Corporate
Marketing Services and President of ConAgra Brands, Inc. He was a direct
report to the Chairman/CEO, and provided strategic vision for key
ConAgra brands. During his time at ConAgra, Mr. Trautschold also
directed efforts in brand positioning, advertising, and other marketing
communications functions. Mr. Trautschold has also held management posts
in a variety of other consumer products companies, including Oscar Mayer
Foods, Ralston Purina and Schlitz Brewing Company. Mr. Trautschold
earned his MBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin in 1973,
after receiving a Bachelor's of Business Administration from the same
place in 1970. Profile
an overview of the things you're doing at the present time?
Mr. Pickman: Midwest Grain's history dates back just over 60
