Mercedes Allison Bates

Mercedes Allison Bates (September 14, 1915 – August 16, 1997) was an American magazine editor and businesswoman who was most famous for her involvement in General Mills, specifically as the director of the Betty Crocker division.

She started working at Southern California Gas Company as a supervisor of home services.

McCall's magazine recognized her understanding of family values, their strengths and weaknesses and hired her as the food editor.

In 1964, Mercedes Bates became the director of the Betty Crocker division of General Mills.

By 1966 she was vice president of the division, making her the first woman officer at General Mills.