Denise M. Morrison is the President and CEO of Campbell Soup, where she is working to bring the iconic brand to the next generation of consumers. With over 30 years in the food business, Morrison is a true visionary and the first woman CEO of the 145-year-old, Camden, New Jersey-based company.
Learn more about Denise Morrison in the interview below:
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is service and there is power in giving. Leadership is about helping people individually and collectively to get excited about what they do, and inspiring and motivating them to unleash their full potential.
What do you love about your work at Campbell?
My favorite thing about working for Campbell is that everyone I meet has a story about our brands. … Tomato soup and grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup after making snowmen, Goldfish in the car to keep the kids happy, Plum baby food and that moment. It’s all about Real Food that Matters for Life’s Moments. Our team at Campbell is reshaping the company and our products to make these types of memories for future generations of consumers.
Tell us about some causes close to your heart.
I’m very passionate about fighting childhood hunger and obesity. Having worked in Camden, New Jersey, at Campbell for the past 12 years, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities in our hometown. I belong to several food industry associations that are addressing this important issue. I also have visited city schools to see the impact on our community I volunteered and served lunch at a local school and I asked a young girl – she was maybe 6 or 7 – if she wanted blueberries on her yogurt. Her eyes opened wide in amazement because she hadn’t seen a blueberry in her life. I’m very proud of our Campbell’s Healthy Communities program -- a collaborative effort to improve the health of young people. We are investing $10 million over 10 years to promote better nutrition and physical fitness, and expand access to fresh foods for children in our hometown. We’re working now to expand this program in other cities where our employees live and work.
Outside of work, what do you like to do?
I enjoy being outside as much as possible. I like to get up early and take power walks. I grew up at the Jersey Shore and love being by the beach. You’re bound to find me relaxing near the ocean with family and friends.
What are your plans for this weekend?
This weekend, I’m headed to visit my grandchildren! I have two daughters and they both have children, so my weekends usually consist of babysitting and playing with the grandkids. It is so much fun to be able to spend time with them.