Kraft, former officials settle SEC charges for $62 million

The company's claims were widely picked up by Wall Street analysts, the SEC said, but in 2019 Kraft restated its financial results to correct $208 million in improperly recognized cost savings.

The SEC alleged that Klaus Hofmann, Kraft's former chief procurement officer, approved improper contracts. The agency said former Chief Operating Officer Eduardo Pelleissone was given many warning signs that expenses were being manipulated but didn't address them and instead pressured the procurement division to hit unrealistic savings targets. Pelleissone also approved the companys financial statements.

Kraft did not admit or deny the SECs findings but agreed to avoid future violations and pay a civil penalty, the SEC said. Pelleissone will pay a civil penalty of $300,000, and Hofmann will pay a $100,000 fine and be barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company for five years, the agency said.

Anita Bandy, the associate director of the SECs enforcement division, said misleading contracts results in millions in bogus cost savings and hurt investors when the company restated financial results.

In 2019, Kraft restated results covering nearly three years and disclosed that it was being investigated by the SEC for misconduct by procurement employees.

The Chicago-based company was formed by a 2015 merger between Kraft Foods and Heinz.