Extra Effort Awards

The work of a CEO cannot be easy. As the face of the company, the CEO's job is demanding. They must answer to employees, stakeholders, and consumers, and envision the strategic direction of the organization years in advance. In the food and beverage CPG field, several CEOs were recently recognized for their innovative contributions to the industry.

MarketWatch – 2009 CEO of the Year: Tim and Richard Smucker, The J.M. Smucker Company

Courtesy: The J.M. Smucker Company
In December, MarketWatch named brothers Tim and Richard Smucker the 2009 CEO of the Year. The brothers consider themselves co-CEOs of the more than 110-year-old family company based in Orrville, Ohio, and are now the fifth generation of Smuckers to run the company.

Under the duo's leadership, the J.M. Smucker Company acquired coffee giant Folgers at a price tag of $3.7 billion. The purchase added 1,500 employees to the company payroll, and more than half engaged in a three-day "Managing for Growth" seminar where staffers learned about the company's history, mission, and ethics. Analysts also credited the brothers for sales growth and rising stocks. For these reasons, Smucker's found itself once again on the 2010 Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work For", landing at number 47.

Global Supply Chain Leaders Group – 2009 CEO of the Year: Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo

Courtesy: PepsiCo
Last year was also a big year for Indra K. Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo. In 2009, the Global Supply Chain Leaders Group named Nooyi CEO of the Year for developing and maintaining sustainable, responsible business practices within the company's global operations.

According to the organization, "The CEO of the Year Award recognizes industry leaders who have made extraordinary contributions in the areas of responsible corporate citizenship, the combat against global warming, involvement in social causes, and creating jobs in America in a globalized economy." Specifically, Nooyi, who assumed PepsiCo's top position in 2006, has worked to make the organization more environmentally friendly and offer snacks that are more nutritious.

Earlier this year, Penn State University announced that they would be honoring Nooyi with a doctorate of humane letters at an upcoming graduation ceremony.

Forbes – America's Favorite Boss: Ken Powell, General Mills

Courtesy: General Mills
Most recently, the Web site Glassdoor named Kendall J. Powell, General Mills CEO, America's favorite boss. To earn the title, 100 percent of voluntary reviews posted by employees approved of the way the CEO handles the job of leading the company. Powell joined the company in 1979 and stepped into the leadership position in September 2007. To read the entire list of "America’s Favorite Bosses," visit Forbes.com.

Which CEOs do you admire? Leave a message and tell me, and I'll keep you posted as this year's award season approaches.