MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Maple Leaf Foods promoted Curtis Frank to chief operating officer. Effective Oct. 1, Frank will succeed Gary Maksymetz who is retiring at the end of September.

In his new role, Frank will have a lead role in the development and implementation of strategic business initiatives in addition to taking overall executive responsibility for the meats, fresh pork and poultry operations and commercial activities at Maple Leaf Foods.

Frank brings more than 18 years of experience at Maple Leaf, where he has held progressively senior management roles. He has served as senior vice president of retail since 2014. He 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.

“One of our organizational priorities is to establish effective succession planning that delivers continuity of leadership and experience, while providing career opportunities for our next generation of leaders who bring new ideas and capabilities to leading Maple Leaf into the future,” said Michael H. McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods. “Curtis is an intensely results-oriented, strategic and progressive executive who is deeply committed to advancing our vision, growth and profitability.”