Fyffes has announced that its CEO and chairman David McCann is set to retire at the end of July, after 34 years with the company.
McCann joined Fyffes in 1986 and in 1989 he was appointed as managing director of Fyffes Group operations.
He was promoted to chief executive in 1995 and subsequently chairman in 2006, the fruit firm said.
In a statement, McCann said that it has been "a privilege to lead Fyffes and to work with such a talented group of people over more than three decades."
“Today Fyffes is the oldest fruit brand in the world and a leading supplier of fresh produce, employing over 10,000 people," said McCann.
"I have greatly enjoyed working with everyone in Fyffes to build it into the major global fresh produce company it is today," he added.
Acquisition
Fyffes was acquired by Japanese company Sumitomo Corporation in 2017.
Masayuki Hyodo, representative director president and CEO, Sumitomo Corporation paid tribute to McCann’s "major contribution to the development and growth of Fyffes."
“Mr. McCann has been an outstanding leader of this business and we appreciate the stability he has brought, especially over the last three years since the acquisition," said Hyodo.
New Appointments
The company also today announced McCanns successor - Helge Sparsoe, who will join the company as chief executive officer.
“My plans are to fully settle into the role, get to know our great talents and everything about Fyffes operations, before setting out our long-term growth strategy," said Sparsoe.
Tom Wada will take up the position as chairman of Fyffes, the company said.
He will be providing sound guidance and governance to ensure alignment between the future of Fyffes and Sumitomo Corporation, it added.
Wada said: "I appreciate Mr McCann’s contribution to the business over the years and the solid foundations that he has set."
"It will be an exciting time to be advising the business and I am looking forward to working together with our CEO and the board members to build on the good work Mr McCann has done,” he added.
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