Australia’s second-largest independent supermarket group, Foodworks, has appointed a new CEO to replace Peter Noble, architect of the company’s disastrous attempt to acquire 45 struggling Coles supermarkets. Rick Wright has now been acting CEO at Foodworks for a number of months, and was previously the company’s chief operating officer. “Rick has a strong background in finance, franchising and strategy management, which is perfect for our business model. His strong engagement... ...Read more »

Denise Morrison, the woman set to become CEO of US food group Campbell Soup Co., has shaken up the company’s senior management team. Morrison is set to move from her role as head of Campbell’s North American soup, sauces and beverage businesses to the job of chief operating officer on Friday (1 October). The 56-year-old has been appointed COO in preparation for her to replace Doug Conant as chief executive next July. As COO, Morrison will lead all of Campbell’s global businesses... ...Read more »

US grocery retailer A&P on Friday (23 July) named its second chief executive in six months after appointing former OfficeMax executive Sam Martin to replace Ron Marshall.Martin succeeds Marshall, who was only appointed in January, as president and CEO of A&P, which saw losses balloon its most recent fiscal year ending 27 February. A&P, which also posted an adjusted net loss of $51m for the first quarter of its current fiscal year, said Martin had “an ideal mix” of experience... ...Read more »

Wal-Mart has appointed vice chairman Eduardo Castro-Wright as president and CEO of Global.com and Global Sourcing.Bill Simon has been promoted into Castro-Wright’s former position as president and CEO of Wal-Mart US, the retail giant said yesterday (29 June). Castro-Wright, who will continue to serve as vice chairman, and Simon will report directly to company president and CEO Mike Duke. The company said that Global.com and Global Sourcing are becoming increasingly important to Wal-Mart as... ...Read more »

Australia’s Fresh Produce Group has announced the appointment of Mano Babiolakis as CEO-elect, effective 1 June. Babiolakis previously served as CEO of CostaExchange and Chiquita Brands South Pacific. “This is a most significant and exciting appointment in the evolution of our company,” FPG founder and CEO Robert Nugan suggested. “[Babiolakis'] deep industry experience, high level relationships, knowledge and enthusiasm will be invaluable to help conquer the challenges before... ...Read more »

The appointment of long-time Asda executive Andy Clarke as chief executive of the supermarket operator suggests that US parent Wal-Mart is seeking strategic continuity at its UK arm, despite recent admissions that the company’s sales growth is falling below expectations. Katy Humphries reports.Wal-Mart announced yesterday (11 May) that it has promoted Andy Clarke to the post of president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Clarke, formerly chief operating officer at the UK’s... ...Read more »

Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory (WCB) today announced the appointment of David Lord as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. After 14 years with Parmalat Australia, with the last seven years as Managing Director and CEO, David will join WCB as CEO in June this year as part of a planned transition from the interim CEO, John McLean. Frank Davis, Chairman of WCB said that he and the Board were delighted to have attracted an executive of the calibre and experience of David.  “David... ...Read more »

The Chairman, CEO and CFO of UK-based confectioner Cadbury have all announced their intention to resign in the wake of Kraft’s successful takeover offer. The Board of Cadbury had been vehemently opposed to a Kraft deal up until a few weeks ago when a revised offer won their support and all three key managers wished the company well in the future. “It has been my great pleasure and privilege to chair Cadbury for the past two years, and I would like to thank Todd Stitzer, my fellow Board... ...Read more »

Trade Minister Simon Crean has announced the appointment of Peter Grey as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade). Mr Grey has extensive experience both in Australia and overseas in prosecuting Australia’s trade and commercial relationships, the Minister advised. He is presently the Australian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. “Throughout his career Mr Grey has worked closely with Australia’s... ...Read more »

ASX-listed malt producer and flour miller GrainCorp has today reported the resignation of Managing Director Mark Irwin, with immediate effect. Mr Ian Wilton, currently GrainCorp’s Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer after the surprise announcement – for which no reason was given. “Mr Irwin had driven significant change within GrainCorp since he became Managing Director in March 2008,” GrainCorp Chairman Don Taylor said. “He... ...Read more »