Biography

William Johnson is the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the H.J. Heinz Company, the most global of all U.S.-based food companies.

Mr. Johnson joined Heinz in 1982 as General Manager - New Businesses for Heinz USA. In 1984 he was promoted to Vice President - Marketing for Ketchup, Foodservice, and Sauces. He was named President and CEO of Heinz Pet Products in 1988 and assumed leadership of Star-Kist Foods, Inc., in May 1992, when the pet food business and Star-Kist Seafood, a sister Heinz affiliate, re-merged.

In 1993 Mr. Johnson was named Senior Vice President of Heinz and joined the company's Board of Directors. His responsibilities included Heinz operations in the Asia/Pacific area, including Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand, and South Korea, in addition to the canned tuna and pet food businesses of Star-Kist Foods, Inc. Mr. Johnson became President and Chief Operating Officer of Heinz in June 1996 and assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer in April 1998. He was named Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer in September 2000.

Prior to joining Heinz, Mr. Johnson was employed with Drackett, Ralston Purina, and Anderson-Clayton.

Mr. Johnson is a member of Emerson's Board of Directors where he serves on the board's compensation committee. He is a Director of the Grocery Manufacturers of America and UPS. Mr. Johnson is also an active member of the University of Texas McCombs School of Business advisory council.