PITTSBURGH (AP) — H.J. Heinz Co. announced Tuesday that it has appointed Dave Woodward as executive vice president in charge of Heinz North America, its largest business segment.

Woodward, 47, was formerly the executive vice president of the company's rest of world segment, which includes Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. He will assume his new role immediately.

Woodward succeeds Scott O'Hara, who is leaving Heinz to pursue other opportunities.

Heinz said it plans to name a new leader for Woodward's previous position shortly.

The company, based in Pittsburgh, makes products such as Heinz Ketchup, Ore-Ida potatoes and Smart Ones entrees. Its shares fell 21 cents to $53.02.