The Washington Commanders announced in December that Mark Clouse was named Team President, overseeing all facets of the organization’s business operations. ESPN’s John Keim today shared a fun fact about Clouse who has previously overseen iconic food brands– he is the reason Oreo started selling different flavors.
“One important thing to know about Commanders president Mark Clouse: When he was with Nabisco it was his idea to add different flavors to Oreo cookies.” Keim shared on social media. So what’s the importance? Some speculate it could mean Washington will have a variety of new jersey designs in the future. Others say it shows he’s not afraid to mess with history, and one comment stated that he take lots of swings even when there are plenty of misses. And a few even think it means he’s a genius. Overall, it’s nothing significant, but many people seemed to be entertained by the fun fact.
Clouse took over for Jason Wright after it was announced this past summer that Wright would leave the organization by the end of this season. Per the Commanders, Clouse joined the organization from the Campbell’s Company, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2019, overseeing a portfolio of iconic brands that includes Campbell’s, Goldfish, Rao’s, Pepperidge Farm and more. He will begin his new role in late January.
“In Mark we have found a dynamic leader with a stellar track record of guiding organizations to excellence, building brands that connect deeply with consumers, and ultimately delivering best-in-class experiences and lasting memories,” said Josh Harris, Managing Partner, Washington Commanders. “Mark shares our commitment to using the power of the Commanders franchise to bring people together. As a military veteran and accomplished business builder, he has a proven ability to strengthen both the organizations he leads and the communities he serves. I am confident in Mark’s dedication to building a championship-caliber organization and to support football operations in our drive for excellence on the field.”
At Campbell’s, Clouse has led a transformation that reshaped the company’s strategy and portfolio to fuel growth. Under his leadership, Campbell’s has built a high-performing culture with industry-leading employee engagement and delivered consistently strong business results, while making a lasting impact on Campbell’s communities.
Clouse brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the Commanders organization. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he played on the basketball team, Clouse began his career in the United States Army, serving for six-and-a-half years as a helicopter pilot and rising to the rank of captain by the end of his service.
Following his service, Clouse joined Kraft Foods, holding a variety of management positions over a 15-year stint with the company. Clouse was named President of North America at Mondelēz in 2012 and later served as Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing the company’s commercial growth plan. He was then named CEO of Pinnacle Foods, driving significant growth for the company. In January of 2019, Clouse was named Campbell’s president and CEO.
“I am incredibly grateful to Josh Harris and the Washington Commanders ownership group for the opportunity to lead this iconic franchise into a new chapter of growth,” said incoming President Mark Clouse. “The Commanders’ passionate fanbase, which has stood by this team for decades, deserves nothing less than our unwavering commitment to excellence. I look forward to supporting ownership, as well as Adam Peters and Dan Quinn, in doing everything in our power to build a championship-caliber organization.”
Clouse and his wife, Kathy, are the proud parents of two sons, Spenser and Logan.