Maple Leaf Foods has appointed Curtis Frank to succeed Gary Maksymetz as chief operating officer (COO).
Maksymetz has decided to retire at the end of September after nearly four decades of work in the food industry.
About Curtis Frank
Frank, who has held the position of senior vice president, retail, since 2014, will assume the role of COO, 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.
“Curtis is an intensely results-oriented, strategic and progressive executive who is deeply committed to advancing our vision, growth and profitability," said Michael H. McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods.
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 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 U.S. 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.
Gary Maksymetz is retiring as Maple Leaf Foods' chief operating officer. | Photo courtesy of Maple Leaf Foods
Gary Maksymetz’s career
Maksymetz has held the role of COO since 2014 and has spent most of his career with Maple Leaf Foods.
During his tenure, Maksymetz 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.
"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 McCain.
