Bush selects Kellogg executive to head Commerce Department

President Bush announced Monday the nomination of Kellogg Co. Chairman and CEO Carlos Gutierrez to be secretary of Commerce, calling him "an experienced manager and an innovative leader" whose immigrant story will serve as an inspiration for others trying to make it in this country.

Gutierrez -- a Cuban American who began with Kellogg selling cereal out of a van in Mexico City and worked his way to the top of the company -- would succeed outgoing Commerce Secretary Don Evans if confirmed by the Senate.

Bush, who appeared with Gutierrez at the White House Monday, named reducing "junk lawsuits and regulations," overhauling the tax code to "encourage savings, investment and growth" and continuing "our commitment to free and fair trade" as priorities for Gutierrez. He said Gutierrez would also strive to increase small business ownership by minorities and women.

Gutierrez, 51, was born in Havana, Cuba, and lives in Battle Creek, Mich. He became CEO of Kellogg in April 1999 and added the title of chairman the following year, according to the company.

According to the Web site PoliticalMoneyline, Gutierrez has contributed to the campaigns of several GOP lawmakers, including Reps. Fred Upton of Michigan and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida. He is on the board of directors of the Colgate-Palmolive Co. and the Grocery Manufacturers of America. In a statement, the Business Roundtable said Gutierrez would bring a "strong business acumen to a range of economic issues."

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan Monday declined to comment on a report in Monday's Washington Post that said Bush was seeking to replace Treasury Secretary John Snow. McClellan said he did not comment on personnel matters. He also denied a report in the story that outgoing National Economic Council Director Stephen Friedman had unsuccessfully sought the Treasury post.