WASHINGTON: The American Red Cross has hired Chris Kuechenmeister as vice president of communications.
He took over his role as head of the organization’s communications team last week, Küchenmeister wrote on LinkedIn.
The Red Cross confirmed that Rosemary McGillan will continue in her role as marketing and communications director, but declined to comment on how Küchenmeister’s role differs from McGillan’s.
“The Red Cross mission is more important than ever, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing efforts to bring help and hope,” Küchenmeister wrote on LinkedIn.
He added that he is “impressed and inspired by the talent and dedication of the Red Cross communications team and energized by the possibilities for our future.”
Küchenmeister declined further comment.
Kuechenmeister joined the Red Cross after 16 years at PepsiCo, most recently as Senior Vice President of Communications. He was responsible for global category and brand communications, as well as communications for PepsiCo’s North American sector across the food and beverage portfolio, corporate reputation management, and strategy and planning for the global communications function. Kuechenmeister also led global talent and career development.
He left PepsiCo this month.
“What a journey it has been with my PepsiCo colleagues over the years,” Kuechenmeister wrote on LinkedIn. “The talented people and experiences have shaped me as a professional and a person, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities the company has provided me.”
A PepsiCo spokesman was not available for comment.
In the second quarter Net sales increased by almost 1% to $22.5 billion Organic revenue increased 1.9% in the quarter, and net income was $3.08 billion, up 12.2% from the same period last year.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, food and comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood needs; teaches life-saving skills; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families, the organization said in a statement.
