Maple Leaf Foods has announced a number of organisational changes within its Bakery Products Group to position the company for greater growth in the US and global marketplaces.
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Richard Lan, president of Maple Leaf Foods global Bakery Products Group and chairman of Canada Bread, will become the CEO of Canada Bread on a permanent basis and will step down as chairman. Roger Dickhout, CEO of Canada Bread, has elected to leave the company on 19 April to enable the organisational changes required to realize the group’s growth potential. The two will work together to ensure an orderly transition.
“Roger has done a tremendous job in fulfilling the mandate he was brought in to do – turning around the company, completing the acquisition of Multi-Marques and positioning the company for new opportunities. We are very pleased with the Canada Bread team, their improved results, and the current momentum that exists,” said Michael H. McCain, CEO, Maple Leaf Foods. “Richard has been intimately involved in the renewal of our overall bakery business. We are extremely excited about the growth opportunities this new structure represents.”
Douglas MacFarlane has been appointed president, Canada Bread Frozen Bakery and president, Maple Leaf Bakery in the US. As the leader of these two organisations, MacFarlane will be responsible for managing the frozen bakery business and sharing best practices between the two companies. Previously, MacFarlane was the general manager of Canada Bread’s frozen bakery business. He joined Canada Bread in early 1999 as senior VP of marketing.
Barry McLean has been appointed president, Canada Bread Fresh Bakery. McLean will have responsibility for overseeing the national network of fresh bakeries. Previously McLean was general manager of Canada Bread’s Western Canadian fresh bread business. He has been with the company since 2000.
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By GlobalDataAlison Farrell continues as general manager of Olivieri Pasta and has been promoted to senior VP of Canada Bread. Peter Maycock continues in his role as MD, Maple Leaf Bakery, UK. All four operating executives will report to Richard Lan.
“This organizational structure will give us the ability to clearly focus on growth as we transition to a US and global business. I am excited about leading Canada Bread’s excellent management team which continues to work hard to position the company for top line growth and improved profitability,” said Richard A. Lan. Lan also stated that over the next several months, consideration will be given to having Canada Bread purchase Maple Leaf Bakery in the US and Maple Leaf Bakery, UK from Maple Leaf Foods.
“I believe the time is right to lay the foundation for future growth by reorganising the Bakery Products Group on a US basis. I am delighted to have spent the last three years leading an exceptional group of people to create this possibility,” said Roger M. Dickhout.
