Quaker Oats Realigns Snapple Management

Quaker Oats Co. said Friday that it is realigning the management of its Snapple Beverage unit, which has failed to meet the company’s expectations since it was acquired in late 1994 for $1.7 billion.

Quaker also said that Donald R. Uzzi, president of Quaker Oats Beverages, North America, is leaving the company. His duties will be performed by a management team that will report directly to Quaker Chairman William Smithburg.

In an interview, Uzzi, 43, said he was leaving of his own accord to pursue other interests.

Nevertheless, his departure underscores changes at Snapple.

In February, Quaker executives said they hoped Snapple would have sales growth of 15% to 20% this year. The company now projects a more moderate rate of growth.