The Board of Aryzta, chaired by ex-Smurfit CEO, Gary McGann has announced that Kevin Toland will begin his role as CEO of Aryzta on 12 September.

Aryzta, which owns the Cuisine de France brand of bread and baked products saw its previous CEO Owen Killian and his senior executive team depart last March.

Toland, who is 51, joins Aryzta from the Dublin Airport Authority where he has acted as the CEO since 2013. Previous to this he headed up Glanbia’s ingredients business in the US.

Food industry experience

Toland brings with him a wealth of experience in the food industry.

During his time in charge, revenues at Glanbia’s global nutritionals business grew to over $1bn, while sales for Glanbia’s US cheese business more than doubled to $1.8bn, increasing its US market share from 6% to 13%.

Toland joined Glanbia in 1999 and has held a number of senior roles including group development Director, chief executive of Consumer Foods as well as director of strategy and marketing.

Shares in the Swiss based company have fallen a further 20% over the past year and closed at €27.16 on Friday.

New non-executive director

Meanwhile, Aryzta also announced that Juergen B. Steinemann is to join its board as an Independent non-executive director subject to shareholder approval.

He brings more than 25 years of senior management experience within the food sector having served as the CEO of chocolate and cocoa manufacturer Barry Callebaut.

He was also previously COO of Nutreco, and CEO of Unilever’s former subsidiary Loders Croklaan.

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