Managing Director Terry O’Brien is to retire from Simplot Australia, effective from August 31, 2017, after nearly 24 years with the company.
MD since 2001, Mr O’Brien previously served for eight years as the company’s chief financial officer.
Under Mr O’Brien’s leadership, Simplot Australia has grown to become one of Australia’s most significant food manufacturers supplying chilled, frozen and shelf-stable products to Australia’s major supermarkets and foodservice customers.
The company also owns Australian brands Birds Eye, Leggo’s, Chiko and John West, among others.
Graham Dugdale, currently Executive Director Commercial at Simplot Australia, will succeed Mr O’Brien as MD, effective from March 1, 2017.
Mr Dugdale has been with Simplot Australia since March 2004 in a variety of roles, including executive general manager retail, and has been in his current role for the past three years.
Simplot Australia says the long lead time until Mr O’Brien’s retirement is to ensure a smooth transition and handover. From March 1, 2017, in the role of executive director, he will continue to assist Mr Dugdale with his overall transition.