MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 30,
2025 /PRNewswire/ - Maple Leaf Foods Inc. ("Maple
Leaf Foods" or the "Company") (TSX:MFI), an iconic Canadian protein
company, announced today new executive appointments accompanied by
further changes to its organizational structure. With these
changes, the Company has completed the realignment of its
commercial and operations teams to support the execution of its
refreshed strategic Blueprint that was unveiled last year.
"Since bringing our meat and plant protein businesses together
under a consolidated protein strategy last year, we have been
intensely focused on delivering on our full potential as a Consumer
Packaged Goods powerhouse," said Curtis
Frank, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf
Foods. "Our efforts are anchored in the strength of our leading
brands, leadership in sustainability, expanding our geographic
reach, and leveraging our diversified protein portfolio to meet
consumer demand - all underpinned by elevating our cost reduction
focus and achieving operational excellence.
Mr. Frank continued, "With the stage set for 2025 to be a
transformational year, we are advancing our Fuel for Growth
initiative, with the prime objective of putting the structures in
place for success, including streamlining our leadership team,
creating clear accountabilities, and sharpening our competitive
edge."
As part of the restructuring, the Company has reduced the size
of its top two layers in the company and also announced the
following changes to its Senior Leadership Team:
- Mike Yang will be joining Maple
Leaf Foods as Chief Supply Chain Officer effective February 3, 2025. Mr. Yang has an impressive
track record of leading manufacturing transformation and
modernization initiatives, having held senior roles at Kruger
Products, Noramerica International Corporation, Irving Consumer
products and Kimberly Clark Corporation. He will replace
Iain Stewart, who previously
announced his retirement effective May
2025 after a more than 35-year distinguished career at Maple
Leaf Foods.
- Josh Kuehnbaum, a highly
experienced leader with over twenty-five years at Maple Leaf Foods,
and a proven track-record of building strategic and enduring
customer relationships, has taken on the role of SVP, Customer
Business Development (Canada),
consolidating responsibility for all Canadian Retail and
Foodservice sales under a single leader.
- Ryan Walker, a veteran Maple
Leaf Foods leader having held roles in operations and business
development in Canada and the US,
has taken on the role of SVP, Poultry. He replaces Ben Brooks who previously announced his
retirement effective May 2025 after
an impressive 21-year career at Maple Leaf Foods, the last 10+
years leading the Company's Poultry business including leadership
roles in the poultry processor associations.
"I am deeply grateful to Iain and Ben for their invaluable
contributions to our organization and their dedication to ensuring
a seamless transition over the coming months as Mike and Ryan step
into their new roles," said Mr. Frank. "I also want to extend my
congratulations to Josh, Ryan, and Mike on their well-deserved
appointments. I am confident that we have the right team in place
to capitalize on our playbook for profitable growth while unlocking
our full business potential"
About Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Maple Leaf Foods is a
leading protein company responsibly producing food products under
leading brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf
Natural Selections®, Schneiders®, Mina®, Greenfield Natural Meat
Co.®, LightLife® and Field Roast™. The Company employs
approximately 13,500 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).
Forward–Looking Statements
This document may contain "forward-looking information" within
the meaning of applicable securities law. These statements
are not guarantees of future events and involve assumptions and
risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Some
of these assumptions and risks and uncertainties are described in
more detail in the Company's filings made with the securities
regulatory authorities in Canada
which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual results
may differ materially from those expressed, implied or forecasted
in such forward-looking information. Maple Leaf Foods does not
intend to, and Maple Leaf Foods disclaims any obligation to, update
any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
law.
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SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
