MamaMancini’s taps former Mondelez exec as first CMO

Listen to this article

MamaMancini’s, a leading national marketer and manufacturer of prepared foods, is bringing a former Mondelez International executive on board to serve as its first chief marketing officer.

In the newly created role, Lauren Sella will lead development and implementation of marketing strategies, brand voice, consumer research, and analysis and marketing communications, the East Rutherford-based company said in a June 1 press release.

Sella brings more than 16 years of consumer and customer marketing experience in consumer-packaged goods, having driven integrated marketing strategies for prominent brands owned by Mondelez International, as well as General Mills.

Prior to joining MamaMancini’s, Sella spent more than 14 years at East Hanover-headquartered Mondelez International in a variety of positions, including director of Ritz Crackers and chief marketing officer of Tate’s Bake Shop. She holds a bachelor of science in economics and applied math from Brown University and an MBA in marketing and operations from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Adam Michaels, chairman and chief executive officer of MamaMancini’s, said Sella’s appointment marks “an incredible first step as we build out a world-class sales and marketing organization to enable the next leg up in a growth trajectory.”

“As we continue to strengthen our existing brands and thoughtfully launch new incremental consumer-driven product innovation, I can personally attest that Lauren is uniquely qualified to pioneer this role given her success in building some of the world’s most iconic brands,” Michaels said.

Founded in 2010, MamaMancini’s makes and distributes all natural beef, turkey, chicken and pork meatballs, as well as other similar Italian products.

The company currently has more than 45,000 product placements nationally in grocery, mass, club and convenience stores, including: Albertsons, Costco, FoodTown, Hy Vee, Key Foods, Kings, Kroger, Publix, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, The Fresh Market, Safeway and King Kullen.

As consumer preferences continue to shift toward ready-to-eat, prepared food options that are cleaner and protein forward, Sella believes MamaMancini’s family of brands “is well positioned to take market share.”

“I look forward to working to identify creative new ways to propel our family of brands forward, enhance our national reach and deliver innovative products that are in sync with today’s consumer lifestyles,” she said.