Craig Bahner, Sara Lee Frozen Bakery CEO

Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast

“You have to work harder with international assignments. Get to know the people, the culture - and see your own country through somebody else’s eyes.”

Craig Bahner is the CEO of Sara Lee Frozen Bakery - leading iconic brands like Sara Lee, Van’s, Chef Pierre and Bistro Collection. An 80 year old brand, Craig was there for the recent spin-off, putting in place pieces to accelerate growth, operations, and innovation. Previously, Craig was Kellogg’s President of US Morning Foods, and Wendy’s CMO - helping transform the iconic restaurant brand for the first time in decades. Craig spent 20 years at P&G rising thru the ranks - serving as GM of North America Hair Care & Color and GM of Northeast Asia’s Fabric & Home Care business. But Craig actually got his start in product supply @ Pillsbury, and later working at an AVIATION company in Cincinnati. Craig is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where he’s a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Fisher College of Business, and also a trustee of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Craig also happens to be an avid aviator - a certified pilot having flown all over the continent. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about stepping outside your comfort zone, and always seeking to humbly learn from those around you.