David Smales
to join as CFO effective January 29,
2024 as Geert Verellen steps
down
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 14,
2023 /CNW/ - Maple Leaf Foods, Inc. ("Maple
Leaf Foods" or the "Company") (TSX: MFI) announced today that
Geert Verellen has decided to step
down as CFO in the new year, and that David
Smales has been named as his successor starting January 29, 2024.
"As we planned for this transition, finding the right successor
for Geert was a critical priority for us," said Curtis Frank, President and CEO. "Geert
has made a significant impact over the last four years, including
playing an important role in leading us through one of the most
ambitious capital investment programs in our history. On
behalf of the entire Company, we thank Geert for his leadership,
and wish him all the best in the next phase of his
career."
"In our search for a new CFO, we actively sought someone with
David's breadth of experience, blending strong financial acumen
with long-term strategic planning skills and a deep understanding
of Canadian capital markets," continued Frank. "We are
thrilled that David will be joining our Senior Leadership Team, and
certain he will be a great addition to Maple Leaf Foods as we
execute our strategic blueprint on the journey to becoming the most
sustainable protein company on earth."
Smales comes to Maple Leaf Foods with a long track-record as a
public company CFO, including almost 15 years as Executive Vice
President and CFO at Aecon Group Inc. Prior to Aecon, Smales was
CFO at Catalyst Paper Corporation, and has decades of international
and transactional experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Novar
PLC. Smales is a member of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and
Wales and has a Bachelor of Arts
(Honours) degree from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in
England.
About Maple Leaf
Foods
About Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Maple Leaf Foods is a carbon neutral
company with a vision to be the most sustainable protein company on
earth, responsibly producing food products under leading brands
including Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural
Selections®, Schneiders®, Schneiders® Country Naturals®, Mina®,
Greenfield Natural Meat Co.®, Lightlife® and Field Roast™. The
Company employs approximately 14,000 people and does business
primarily in Canada, the U.S. and
Asia. The Company is headquartered
in Mississauga, Ontario and its
shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).
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SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.