Woolworths today confirmed the retirement of CEO Michael Luscombe, and his replacement by the company’s Chief Operating Officer for Australian Food and Petrol, Grant O’Brien. Speculation began late last year that Luscombe, who helmed the company through the GFC and the post-stimulus-package slowdown, was planning to retire. Today’s announcement confirms that Luscombe will hand over the reins on October 1st – his fifth anniversary as CEO. The Board of Woolworths Limited has... ...Read more »

Kraft has issued a document urging their shareholders to support their Cadbury takeover plan. The Oreo and Vegemite maker filed a definitive proxy statement on Friday to approve the issuance of new shares to bankroll their A$18.6b bid for the confectioner. A shareholder meeting will be held on February 1, 2010. The announcement follows continued rejection from Cadbury management of an offer they view as “derisory”. New Board members Kraft has also announced the appointment of Jean-Francois... ...Read more »

Coca-Cola Amatil has announced the appointment of Martin Jansen to the role of non-Executive Director, effective immediately. Mr Jansen will take the vacated position of Irial Finan in one of the two board positions reserved for major shareholder The Coca-Cola Company. He is currently the CEO of Coca-Cola China Industries Ltd and also responsible for TCCC’s investment interests in Shanghai. “We are delighted that Martin, with his extensive knowledge and experience of fast moving consumer... ...Read more »

Goodman Fielder has today confirmed the retirement of Gavin Walker from their Board of Directors. Mr Walker advised that, following the recent merger of Lion Nathan and National Foods, he has continued his role with the merged entity and he now has a potential conflict of interest due to both companies’ interests in dairy. At Goodman Fielder’s recent Annual General Meeting Mr Walker indicated that he intended to resign from the Board before the end of 2009. In making the announcement... ...Read more »

Goodman Fielder, Australia’s largest publicly listed food manufacturer, has told shareholders at their Annual General Meeting that the outlook for the coming year is “encouraging” and believes that the major headwinds of the past two years are behind them. “The Board is of the view that Goodman Fielder has now successfully managed its way through the two most formidable challenges which the company has faced in its recent history – the effects of the global financial crisis,... ...Read more »

Irial Finan, a Non-Executive Director at soft drinks firm Coca-Cola Amatil, has announced his intention to retire following the last Board meeting of the year – to be held on December 14-15. Mr Finan has served on the Board since August 2005 as one of two nominees from major shareholder The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC). He is leaving due to increased commitments at TCCC. “We are sad to see Irial go,” CCA Chairman David Gonski said. “He has made a very valuable contribution to... ...Read more »

Patties Foods has today announced the appointment of John Schmoll as an independent, non-executive director of the company. The move, effective immediately, will also see him assume the role of chairman of the audit committee. “John brings to the Board a distinguished executive career, culminating in his role as Chief Financial Officer of Coles Myer Ltd until his retirement in 2002,” Chairman, Chris Riordan, said. Mr Schmoll is currently Chairman of Breville Group Ltd and, since 2005,... ...Read more »

Archie Norman’s role with Wesfarmers has been expanded beyond his current position as a consultant on the Coles turnaround, the conglomerate explained today. The man credited with reviving the flagging fortunes of UK retailer Asda in the nineties will take on the position as an advisor to the Board on retail issues. His current role as a consultant has seen him instrumental in luring a number of experienced retail executives to Coles from Britain. Wesfarmers Chairman Dr Bob Every said the appointment... ...Read more »

Patties Foods, the maker of the iconic Australian Four’N Twenty meat pie, has selected their new Chairman – eight months after the resignation of Peter Kempen as “unforseen delays” slowed down the process. Mr Chris Riordan will assume the role, bringing with him his board experience from the FMCG food sector – having been Deputy Chairman and then Chairman of SPC Ltd and Deputy Chairman of Golden Circle Ltd. Acting Chairman, Ernest Barr, said Mr Riordan’s previous board... ...Read more »

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, last week announced four new appointments and three reappointments to the Board of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the lead food regulatory body in Australia and New Zealand.Mr Butler said the appointments, made with the agreement of the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, would ensure stability and a strong consumer voice in the development of food standards for Australia and New Zealand. “Our rigorous... ...Read more »