Tom Atherton is to leave his position as president and COO of Cathedral City owner Saputo Dairy UK, as part of a reshuffle across the Canadian dairy giant’s top team.
Atherton, who joined the then-Dairy Crest in 2005, would leave to “pursue other opportunities”, Saputo said.
He took over from Mark Allen as president in 2019, following Saputo’s acquisition of Dairy Crest. Atherton will remain with the business until the end of 2024 to support the transition of his successor, Steve Douglas, into the role.
Douglas, an American, boasts a 30-year career with Saputo, having joined as a lab technician in its US operation in 1993.
He most recently served as a senior VP for operations and supply chain in Saputo’s US dairy division, where he was responsible for all manufacturing and “played an instrumental role in streamlining the company’s supply chain and improving efficiencies”, Saputo said.
Elsewhere, Frank Guido has been appointed COO for Saputo across North America, Europe and its international operations – with all divisional presidents and COOs reporting into him.
Guido will report directly into Carl Colizza, who assumed the role of president and CEO of the UK business’ parent, Montreal-based Saputo Inc in August.
Leanne Cutts, meanwhile, has assumed the newly created position of chief commercial officer at Saputo group level and will be responsible for driving commercial strategy, sales development in global markets and channels, and overseeing marketing, brand management, and market insights functions for all divisions.
She joined Saputo in 2021 and since then has served as president and COO (international and Europe).
“This team is proven, deeply capable, and prepared to set the course for our continued success,” said Colizza.
“Each of these accomplished executives has played a pivotal part in our company over the years and through their expanded roles, we will further leverage their talent and expertise as we continue to drive long-term growth and operational excellence throughout our organisation.”
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