Irene returned to Kraft Foods, the predecessor to Mondelēz International, Inc., in June 2006 as CEO and became Chairman in March 2007, following Kraft’s spin off from Altria Group.  Since that time, Irene has changed the face, footprint and prospects of Kraft Foods.  She repositioned the company to deliver consistent top-tier growth by reinvigorating iconic brands, transforming the portfolio and strengthening the company's presence in fast-growing developing markets. The transformation she led culminated in the spin-off of the company’s North American grocery operations and creation of Mondelēz International, Inc. in October 2012.

Irene began her career in consumer research, later joining General Foods, which itself became part of Kraft Foods.  Irene led the restructuring and turnaround of key businesses in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  She served on the team that spearheaded the company's IPO in 2001, and successfully integrated the Nabisco, LU and Cadbury businesses.

Irene took a short break from Kraft Foods in 2004, serving for two years as Chairman and CEO of Frito-Lay.  While there, she accelerated growth in better-for-you products and health and wellness offerings.

The "Financial Times," "Fortune" and "Forbes" have repeatedly ranked Irene on their lists of the “Top 50 Women in Global Business,” “50 Most Powerful Women in Business” and as one of the world’s “100 Most Powerful Women.”

Irene holds a Ph.D. in Marketing and Statistics, an M.S. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Psychology – all from Cornell University.  She is active in a number of industry and community organizations, including The Economic Club of Chicago. She also serves on the Board of the Consumer Goods Forum and Cornell's Board of Trustees.

Director since June 2006