McCormick and Company has appointed W. Geoffrey Carpenter as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. He will succeed Robert Skelton who is retiring after a 32-year career with the Sparks, Maryland-based company.


Carpenter is currently associate general counsel and assistant secretary at the spice company.


Skelton joined McCormick in 1976 and was promoted to vice president, general counsel and secretary in 1996. He became senior vice president, general counsel and secretary in 2002. Skelton has served on the boards of a number of the company’s divisions and subsidiaries and is also an Emeritus member of the McCormick multiple management board.


Carpenter joined the company in 1984 and has served as the company’s associate general counsel and assistant secretary since 1996. He graduated from Duke University and received his law degree from The University of Virginia School of Law and his MBA from The Johns Hopkins University. He is also an Emeritus member of McCormick’s multiple management board.


President and CEO Alan Wilson said: “Throughout his more than 30 years with McCormick, Bob has modelled our core values. His integrity, work ethic and compassion have served us well as he provided expert advice and wise counsel to our executives and Board members. His tireless efforts contribute to our success by enabling critical acquisitions, protecting our brands and ensuring compliance. He has excellent business instincts and is an outstanding attorney.

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“Geoff Carpenter has played a critical role in our legal function and has served as a key member of our management team for several years. His leadership, diligence and perseverance on the recent Lawry’s acquisition were essential to our ultimate success. His keen intellect and his knowledge of our business will serve us well as he moves into his new role.”

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