Nazareth College School of Management (SOM) is pleased to award Mary Beth West ‘84 with the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award. West was chosen based on her business success, service to others, commitment to ethics and social responsibility, and her unwavering support of Nazareth College.

West is currently the executive vice president and chief category and marketing officer of Mondelēz International, Inc., formerly Kraft Foods, Inc.  She is responsible for consumer insights and strategy, integrated marketing communications, consumer services, sustainability, and corporate and government affairs.  She also leads the company’s biscuit, gum and candy, and chocolate global category teams. Prior to this, West was group vice president, Kraft Foods and president, North America Beverages sector, where she managed a $3 billion portfolio of iconic brands such as Maxwell House coffee, Tassimo, Crystal Light, Capri Sun and Kool-Aid.

She serves on Board of Directors for J.C. Penney Co., Inc. and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council. West has been recognized for her achievements by the Minority MBA’s Next Generation of Business Leaders. After graduating with a bachelor’s in management from Nazareth College, West received an MBA from Columbia University.