PepsiCo Names New CEO for Tropicana

PepsiCo Inc. said it tapped Gary Rodkin as chief executive of Tropicana Products Inc. as it completed the $3.3-billion purchase of the juice company from Seagram Co. The 46-year-old Rodkin, who had been president of Tropicana’s North America division, replaces Ellen Marram, who is leaving Tropicana. The purchase was announced July 20. Marram, who became president of Seagram’s fruit juice and low-alcohol beverage business in 1993, had previously been president of Nabisco Inc.’s Nabisco Biscuit Co. Rodkin had been president of the Yoplait-Columbo yogurt division of General Mills before joining Tropicana in 1995. Tropicana’s brands include some of the best-known trademarks in the juice business, including Dole. Purchase, N.Y.-based Pepsi’s shares rose $1.44 to close at $35 on the NYSE.