Tony Vernon

CEO Kraft Foods Group

Tony Vernon became the first CEO of the new Kraft Foods Group upon its founding on October 1, 2012.  A $19 billion company, Kraft has the spirit of a startup and the soul of a powerhouse. Tony’s mission is to make it the best food & beverage company in North America.  He joined Kraft in August 2009, serving as President of Kraft Foods North America. Tony came to Kraft from Ripplewood Holdings, where he was Healthcare Industry Partner for three years.  Prior to Ripplewood, Tony spent 23 years at Johnson & Johnson, where he led a number of the company’s largest franchises.  He served as President of McNeil Consumer Products and Nutritionals; Worldwide President of The Johnson and Johnson-Merck Joint Venture; President of Centocor; and Company Group Chairman of DePuy Orthopedics.  Tony currently serves on the boards of Medivation, Inc. and Novocure Ltd.  He holds a bachelor's degree in history from Lawrence University and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School.  His passion for brands is surpassed only by his love of family.  Married for 30 years, Tony and his wife are the proud parents of three adult sons.