Curtis Frank has taken over as the president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, succeeding Michael McCain as the CEO.
McCain has held the role of CEO for the past 25 years. While McCain is retiring from the CEO role, he will continue with the company as the executive chair of the board of directors. His family will also remain deeply involved with the company, he said, as Maple Leaf’s largest shareholder will continue to be family-owned McCain Capital.
A succession plan for Frank to succeed McCain as CEO was earlier announced in May 2022, and the final step in that succession plan has been completed. The changes in leadership were effective May 11, and announced that same day, both in the form of a press release and an announcement during the company’s quarterly earnings call.
Curtis Frank’s history with Maple Leaf Foods
Frank first joined Maple Leaf Foods shortly after completing his university studies and has been a key contributor for more than 20 years, with progressively more responsible roles. He has served as president and chief operating officer, leading Maple Leaf Foods side-by-side with Michael McCain since 2018.
"I am incredibly proud and humbled to lead this great Canadian food company," said Frank. "From my roots growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan to building my career here at Maple Leaf Foods, food and agriculture have always been at the center of my life. I have had the great fortune to work with and to be mentored by Michael. He is a passionate and visionary leader who has established Maple Leaf Foods as an iconic Canadian food company that is admired on the global stage. Drawing on this legacy, I am energized and excited to lead us into our next chapter, as we build on our leading brands, leverage our world class assets, and advance our leadership in sustainability while remaining grounded in our culture and leadership values."
"Curtis is a remarkable leader. He stands out in every dimension of our Leadership Values and has a track record of success delivered through his extraordinary skill in connecting with people," said McCain. "He has the unwavering commitment of my entire family, who will continue to be deeply connected to Maple Leaf Foods as owner/operator shareholders. Curtis and I have executed a meticulous transition, and he knows every inch of this company. He has earned this role and will carry forward our purpose with passion. I know that his extensive tenure at the helm of Maple Leaf Foods will be astonishing in its achievements."
Michael McCain (Courtesy Maple Leaf Foods)
Michael McCain reflects on time with company
While speaking during his last earnings call as the CEO, McCain described it as “an emotional day for me personally,” but added that such transitions are important to the company of the future.
McCain spoke proudly of turning the company around from the struggling state it was in during the mid-90s when he and his family arrived.
“This was a ragtag of business activities, pillaged by the curse of excessive short-term interests, and on the edge of demise. It was hard to find anything going well at the time, except for a cadre of deeply passionate people who cared about a better future. It takes a very long time to build a great business and over 28 years, we are now a world leader in our industry,” said McCain.
“We have a powerful and broadly recognized culture populated by the industry’s best. We have a collection of vibrant forward-position brands with enduring brand strategies."
