Gay Lea Foods announces leadership transition

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - After 12 years as President & CEO of Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited, Andrew MacGillivray has announced his retirement, effective March 31, 2014. As noted by Gay Lea Foods Chair Paul Vickers, "Andrew joined us as President & CEO in January, 2002 and for more than a dozen years has inspired us to new performance levels. We are very proud of what we have achieved as a leader in the Canadian dairy industry and are confident in the foundation that has been established. It has been Andrew's visionary leadership that has enabled such success."

Andrew has chosen this time to announce his retirement as he plans to pursue various personal projects. He has also agreed to provide consulting services to the board and leadership team. Such a role will allow Gay Lea Foods to leverage Andrew's strategic insights and build on his industry knowledge and relationships.

Gay Lea Foods is very pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Barrett as President & CEO, effective April 1, 2014. Michael joined Gay Lea in July 1999 as VP of Human Resources and over the years has increased his leadership responsibilities to include Member Services, Supply Chain, Sales and Marketing and Operations. For the past six years he has served as Chief Operations Officer.  In the words of Paul Vickers, "Michael has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, has been instrumental in our success and we are excited about continuing to build with his vision and guidance."

Gay Lea Foods is committed to continue to grow and achieve its long-term vision. The Gay Lea leadership team has been at the foundation of the co-operative's success and with the transition from Andrew to Michael, remain optimistic and inspired.

About Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited

Gay Lea Foods, founded in 1958, is Ontario's largest dairy co-operative with 1,200 members and 810 employees. Its sales in 2013 topped $560 million. It is a leader in the dairy industry and the co-operative sector, with its head office in Mississauga and seven production facilities across Ontario. Its brands, Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno and Ivanhoe Cheese, have a strong presence in the retail, foodservice and industrial ingredients sectors.

SOURCE: Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited

Debra Selkirk

Communications Co-ordinator, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited
905.283.5208

Email: [e-mail] Website: www.gaylea.com