Canadian protein company Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is announcing 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 in 2024.

"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.

Frank said, "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 Feb. 3, 2025. Yang has a strong track record of leading manufacturing transformation and modernization initiatives, having held senior roles at Kruger Products, Noramerica International Corp., Irving Consumer products and Kimberly Clark Corp. He will replace Iain Stewart, who previously announced his retirement effective May 2025 after a more than 35-year career at Maple Leaf Foods.
• Josh Kuehnbaum, an experienced leader with over 25 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"

Source: Maple Leaf Foods Inc.