PHOENIX — E. Robert Kinney, a former chief executive of General Mills who earlier in his career was instrumental in popularizing fish sticks, has died. He was 96.
A statement by General Mills says Kinney died last week in Arizona.
Kinney was a food company executive for most of his career. He had a successful stint in leading Gorton’s of Gloucester.
The company’s success in the fish stick business prompted General Mills to acquire Gorton’s in 1968.
Kinney served as president and chairman of General Mills from 1977 to 1981.
He led the company during a time of rapid growth that included acquisition of licensing rights to Yoplait yogurt.
Source: Associated Press
