Mary Kay Haben

Mary Kay Haben recently concluded a successful 33-year career with two iconic Chicago companies, Kraft Foods and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. After a 27-year career at Kraft, where she led several multi-billion dollar divisions as President, Mary Kay joined Wrigley (when it was a public company) as Group Vice President and Managing Director, North America. Wrigley was acquired by Mars, Inc in 2008 and Mary Kay assumed additional responsibility for the former Mars Skittles and Starburst businesses. She was promoted to President, North America. In this role, she successfully led the integration of the Mars Confections and Wrigley gum businesses and led the growth and development of these businesses in the U.S. and Canada.

In Mary Kay’s 33-year career at Kraft and Wrigley, she developed extensive experience in global management. She has a proven track record for successfully managing fast-moving consumer goods businesses, working with consumers and customers to help grow existing brands and develop new product and packaging innovations. In addition, she has a passion for coaching and developing people.

Mary Kay received her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois and her M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Michigan. She resides in Glenview with her husband Ed. Her son, Mike, graduated from the University of Illinois and is living and working in Chicago while her son, Jack, is a junior at the University of Illinois.

Mary Kay served on the Liz Claiborne (NYSE:LIZ) Board of Directors from 2004-2007 and was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees for Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR), the leading owner, operator and investor in multifamily apartment properties in the United States.

Mary Kay serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for Junior Achievement of Chicago, and on the University of Illinois Foundation Board of Directors. She is also a director for Off the Street Club, the oldest boys and girls club in Chicago located in one of the city’s toughest neighborhoods and the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation, an organization dedicated to developing student leaders. Mary Kay is a member of the Parish Pastoral Council of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview. She also serves on the Visiting Committee of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and as Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the University of Illinois Alumni Association.