MISSISSAUGA, ON,
July 31, 2018
/CNW/ - Maple Leaf Foods (TSX: MFI) today announced that
Gary Maksymetz, who has held the
role of Chief Operating Officer since 2014 and has
almost four decades of experience in the food industry,
mostly with Maple Leaf, has made a personal decision to retire at
the end of September.
During his tenure, Gary has led a wide range of functions
at Maple Leaf and successfully driven major strategic initiatives
that have resulted in significant, structural long-term value
creation. He will provide ongoing strategic counsel to support the
transition of his responsibilities and more broadly to the Senior
Leadership Team, who will continue to benefit from his expertise
and deep industry knowledge.
Curtis Frank, who has held
the position of Senior Vice President, Retail since 2014, will
assume the role of Chief Operating Officer, effective October 1, 2018. In this capacity, he will have
overall executive responsibility for the Company's prepared meats,
fresh pork and poultry operations, and commercial activities, and a
lead role in the development and implementation of strategic
business initiatives that advance Maple Leaf's profitable growth
and vision to be the most sustainable protein company on
earth.
"Gary has made a profound contribution to Maple Leaf and I
am deeply grateful for his astute leadership, intellect and counsel
over our many years together," said Michael
H. McCain, President and CEO. "One of our organizational
priorities is to establish effective succession planning that
delivers continuity of leadership and experience, while providing
career opportunities for our next generation of leaders who bring
new ideas and capabilities to leading Maple Leaf into the future.
Curtis is an intensely results-oriented, strategic and progressive
executive who is deeply committed to advancing our vision, growth
and profitability."
Mr. Frank has over 18 years of experience at Maple Leaf in
progressively senior roles where he has demonstrated exemplary
people and leadership skills and results. In his capacity as Senior
Vice President Retail, he has led a high performance North American
sales organization and the successful commercial execution of
several strategic initiatives, including the Company's recent brand
renovation and US sales expansion. He is a member of the Maple Leaf
Senior Leadership Team and serves as a director for the Maple Leaf
Centre for Action on Food Security. He brings extensive knowledge
of Maple Leaf, the marketplace and managing large and complex
businesses to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
About Maple Leaf Foods
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a leading consumer protein
company, making high quality, innovative products under national
brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural
Selections®, Schneiders®, Schneiders® Country Naturals®, Mina®,
SWIFT®, LightlifeTM and Field Roast Grain Meat
Co. TM. The Company employs approximately 11,500
people and does business in Canada, the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in
Mississauga, Ontario and its
shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).
SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.