MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Geert Verellen has been named chief financial officer at Maple Leaf Foods Inc. He succeeds Debbie Simpson, who announced in August she would leave the company Nov. 1.

Verellen joins Maple Leaf from Walmart, where he was regional CFO for Walmart Canada, India and Japan. He previously held several financial roles at Belgian-based food retailer Delhaize Group (now a part of Ahold Delhaize), including senior vice president of finance and vice president of investor relations.

“Geert’s breadth of financial knowledge and his extensive food retailing experience will be an important asset to Maple Leaf Foods,” said Michael McCain, president and CEO. “His proven capabilities in communicating finance to analysts, investors and the public will help us articulate our vision and strategy effectively going forward.”