MISSISSAUGA, ON – 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
