Maple Leaf Foods COO to retire

Gary Maksymetz, chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Foods, will retire at the end of September, the company has said in a press release. He will be replaced by Curtis Frank.

Maksymetz has spent the majority of his 40-year career with Maple Leaf Foods--holding the COO title for the past four years--and has been credited with overseeing initiatives that have "resulted in significant, structural long-term value creation." He will provide counsel to the senior leadership team as he transitions to retirement.

"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 Maple Leaf Foods president and CEO Michael H. McCain, in a release.

Frank, who has served as senior vice-president, retail since 2014, will assume the COO role, effective Oct. 1. In his new role, he will oversee prepared meats, fresh pork and poultry operations in addition to commercial activities. Frank 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.