Conagra Brands appoints general counsel from in-house

Carey Bartell has been with the food company since 2016

NYSE-listed food company Conagra Brands has promoted Carey Bartell to the position of executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, effective June 6.

Bartell joined Conagra Brands in 2016. Until this week she was vice president and chief counsel heading up the company’s litigation efforts and compliance programs.

Colleen Batcheler had been executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Conagra Brands from 2009 until earlier this year. She joined vehicle rental company Hertz in May as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary.

Before 2016 Bartell spent more than seven years at pharmaceutical and medical device company Hospira, initially as senior counsel and later as vice president of legal. In that role she oversaw the company’s litigation, labor, employment and immigration law matters, and advised senior management and the board of directors on legal and business risks.

Bartell began her legal career at law firm Sachnoff & Weaver, where she was promoted from associate to partner and advised primarily on litigation and labor and employment law, and continued with the firm through its merger with Reed Smith.

Chicago-based Conagra Brands’ portfolio includes Birds Eye, Marie Callender’s, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim, Reddi-wip and Vlasic.

Sean Connolly, president and CEO of Conagra Brands, says in a statement: ‘For more than six years, Carey has been a valuable Conagra leader who has served as vice president and chief counsel leading the company’s litigation efforts and compliance programs. Her more than 20 years of experience combined with her passion and business expertise make her the right leader for this critical role.’