Brenda C. Barnes facts for kids

Brenda Czajka Barnes (born November 11, 1953 – died January 17, 2017) was an important American businesswoman. She was the president, chairman, and chief executive officer (CEO) of Sara Lee. She was also the first female CEO at PepsiCo. Her career showed that women could reach the highest levels in big companies.

Brenda Barnes's Education

Brenda Barnes was a dedicated student. She earned a bachelor's degree in Economics in 1975 from Augustana College. Later, in 1978, she completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Loyola University Chicago. An MBA is a special degree that helps people learn how to run businesses. In 1997, Augustana College gave her an honorary doctor's degree. This was to recognize her achievements.

Brenda Barnes's Career Journey

Brenda Barnes had a very successful career. She started working as a business manager at Wilson Sporting Goods in 1976. Then, in 1981, she became Vice President of Marketing for Frito-Lay.

Rising at PepsiCo

In 1984, Brenda joined PepsiCo as Group Vice President of Marketing. She quickly moved up the ranks. By 1991, she was President of Pepsi-Cola South/West. In 1993, she became Chief Operating Officer (COO) for PepsiCo North America. The COO helps manage the daily operations of a company. Finally, in 1996, she became president and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America. This was a huge achievement.

However, in 1997, Brenda made a big decision. She left her top job at PepsiCo to spend more time with her family. This move made national news because it was unusual for someone at her level to step away.

After PepsiCo

After leaving PepsiCo, Brenda didn't stop working entirely. From 1999 to 2000, she was an interim president and COO for Starwood. She also taught as a professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and at North Central College in 2002.

Leading Sara Lee

In 2004, Brenda became president and COO of Sara Lee Corp.. Sara Lee is a well-known food company. By February 2005, she was promoted to president and CEO. In October 2005, she also became the chairman of the company. As CEO, she made important changes, like moving Sara Lee's main office.

Brenda Barnes also served on the boards of directors for many other companies. These included Avon Products, Inc., LucasFilm, Ltd., and The New York Times Company. Being on a board means you help guide the company's decisions.

Brenda Barnes's Personal Life

Brenda Czajka was born in 1953. She was the third of seven girls. She grew up in River Grove, Illinois. Before college, she went to East Leyden High School. Brenda was known for being a very smart and dedicated student. She focused on her studies rather than social activities.

Her parents taught her to be humble and to work hard. Brenda once said that her parents taught her to listen to people and value what they had to say. These values helped her a lot in her career.

Brenda Barnes had two sons and one daughter. In May 2010, she had a stroke. A stroke is a serious medical event that affects the brain. This health issue caused her to leave her role at Sara Lee. Even after her stroke, she received calls about joining company boards. However, she chose to focus on her health. Sadly, Brenda had another stroke on January 15, 2017, and passed away two days later.

Recognition and Awards

Brenda Barnes was recognized for her powerful role in business.

• Forbes magazine listed her in "The World's 100 Most Powerful Women" every year since 2004.
• In 2005 and 2006, she was even in the top ten on that list.
• In 2009, she was ranked 29th.

In 2013, Brenda was given the Order of Lincoln. This is the highest honor in the state of Illinois. She received it for her achievements in Business & Industry.

See also

• List of female top executives