Former Campbell Soup Co. Chief Executive Officer and President Dale Morrison has passed away at the age of 74.

Morrison, who headed up the iconic Camden-based soup and snack giant from 1997 to 2000, died April 8 in Naples, Fla., following a battle with lung disease. 

After joining Campbell in 1995 as president of Pepperidge Farm, Morrison helped drive significant growth of brands such as Goldfish crackers and Milano cookies. A year later, he became president of Campbell’s international and specialty foods division before being appointed CEO in 1997, the company said.

During his tenure, Campbell launched V8 Splash beverages and its Chunky soup brand also began a sponsorship deal with the National Football League that continues today, according to the company.

After stepping down from his role at Campbell, Morrison went on to join consumer brand-focused private equity firm Fenway Partners as an operating partner in 2002.

He also served as CEO of frozen food leader McCain Foods between 2004 and 2011 before helping to found investment firm Twin Ridge Capital Management.

Morrison held several board positions over the years, including at International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group, Harvest/Sherwood, American Standard, Aurora Foods Inc., Iron Age Corp., Trane, Lipari Foods, Findus and Young’s Seafood.

Prior to Campbell, Morrison spent a decade in sales and marketing positions at General Foods and 14 years with PepsiCo in general management assignments in North America and the U.K.

In a statement, Roger Ferguson Jr., board chair at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), said, “This is a profound loss of an exceptional man. Dale and I have been partners and collaborators for nearly 10 years, and I am so grateful for the many lessons he taught me along the way. One of Dale’s enduring ambitions for IFF to become a transformed, global leader, and I’m proud to credit him for so much that this organization has accomplished. Dale leaves behind an impressive legacy, and I will miss him greatly.”