George Weston Foods Limited (GWF), a division of Associated British Foods (ABF), has appointed Managing Director of Don Smallgoods, Stuart Grainger, as its new CEO following the resignation of current chief, Andrew Reeves. Grainger will assume the role of CEO in September 2016 following a transition period of four months and will report directly to George Weston, CEO ABF.
GWF is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest food manufacturers, employing around 6500 employees across 60 sites, and produces well-known brands such as Tip Top, Don Smallgoods, Bürgen and Bazaar Breads of the World.
The company said over the past five years Reeves has led GWF’s $100 million turnaround and established the foundations for the company’s future growth. In the coming months, Reeves will support Grainger to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities so the business momentum continues strongly.
ABF CEO, George Weston, paid tribute to Reeves’ achievements as CEO during his tenure with the business. “Andrew joined GWF in 2011 and has led the business successfully through a major turnaround, restoring business stability and performance, improving safety, retailer relationships and attracting and developing talent – all critical to the company’s future growth. I would like to sincerely thank Andrew [Reeves] for his significant contribution over the past five years and recognise the legacy he leaves in transforming GWF into the sustainable business it is today. I wish him all the best for his future,” Weston said.
“I’m also delighted to see Stuart Grainger appointed as the new chief executive, with his extensive experience in food and manufacturing industries, as well as 20 years with ABF. Following a search process, we’ve appointed a high calibre internal successor to lead GWF in the dynamic and increasingly challenging Australian and New Zealand food markets.”
Grainger’s career with ABF spans more than 20 years and he brings a wealth of market, operational and leadership experience to this important role. Most recently, as managing director of Don Smallgoods, he led the business through a significant period of change including commissioning a new $280 million state of the art smallgoods factory in Castlemaine Victoria.
“I look forward to working with all the teams across the business to build on Andrew’s legacy and continue to make GWF a company we can all take pride in. I have held a long career in ABF, working across most parts of the food chain. To now lead an iconic company as part of the global ABF portfolio is an absolute privilege for me,” Grainger said.
Source: C&I Week
