Saputo Inc. Announces Executive Leadership Transition
Source: The DairyNews
Saputo, a global dairy processor, unveiled its executive leadership succession plan. Lino A. Saputo, currently serving as Chair of the Board, President, and CEO, has informed the Board of Directors of his decision to transition to the role of Executive Chair of the Board. In this new role, Mr. Saputo will continue to guide the Company’s strategic development, fostering value creation. The transition is scheduled to take effect on August 9, 2024, coinciding with the Company’s Annual General Meeting.
The Board of Directors is also pleased to announce the appointment of Carl Colizza, currently President and COO (North America), as the new President and CEO of Saputo Inc. Mr. Colizza, who joined Saputo in 1998, has held pivotal roles in engineering, operations, business development, and strategy. He was named President and COO, Dairy Division (Canada) in 2015, and President and COO (North America) in 2019. His deep commitment to Saputo’s core values and his impressive leadership track record position him as the ideal leader for the Company’s next growth phase.
“As I transition to Executive Chair, my focus will shift to strategic oversight, promoting Saputo’s vision and values, and supporting our leadership team,” said Mr. Saputo. “Jolina Capital, as the largest shareholder, remains committed to Saputo’s long-term success and fully supports Carl’s nomination as President and CEO. I am proud of our achievements and look forward to supporting Carl and the Saputo team in reaching new heights. Carl is an outstanding leader, respected across our industry, and has been instrumental in shaping our strategy and enhancing our business.”
Carl Colizza expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honored to lead Saputo and our talented team with Lino’s support. Over the past 25 years, I have witnessed Lino’s unwavering dedication to Saputo’s culture, our people, and the communities we serve. I am excited to further advance Saputo’s business and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.”
Mr. Colizza will continue his role as President and COO (North America) during the transition period. Anthony Fata will remain as independent lead director.
Carl Colizza holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from McGill University. Since joining Saputo in 1998, he has ascended through several senior management positions in the Dairy Division (Canada). His roles have included Director of Engineering, Vice President of Engineering and Environmental Affairs, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Senior Vice President of Business Development. In 2015, he was appointed President and COO, Dairy Division (Canada), and later took on additional leadership responsibilities for the Dairy Division (Argentina) and the Dairy Foods Division (USA). In 2019, he became President and COO (North America), overseeing the unified Dairy Division (USA) from August 2020 to November 2021 and from June 2022 to March 2023.
“As I transition to Executive Chair, my focus will shift to strategic oversight, promoting Saputo’s vision and values, and supporting our leadership team,” said Mr. Saputo. “Jolina Capital, as the largest shareholder, remains committed to Saputo’s long-term success and fully supports Carl’s nomination as President and CEO. I am proud of our achievements and look forward to supporting Carl and the Saputo team in reaching new heights. Carl is an outstanding leader, respected across our industry, and has been instrumental in shaping our strategy and enhancing our business.”
Carl Colizza expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honored to lead Saputo and our talented team with Lino’s support. Over the past 25 years, I have witnessed Lino’s unwavering dedication to Saputo’s culture, our people, and the communities we serve. I am excited to further advance Saputo’s business and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.”
Mr. Colizza will continue his role as President and COO (North America) during the transition period. Anthony Fata will remain as independent lead director.
Carl Colizza holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from McGill University. Since joining Saputo in 1998, he has ascended through several senior management positions in the Dairy Division (Canada). His roles have included Director of Engineering, Vice President of Engineering and Environmental Affairs, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Senior Vice President of Business Development. In 2015, he was appointed President and COO, Dairy Division (Canada), and later took on additional leadership responsibilities for the Dairy Division (Argentina) and the Dairy Foods Division (USA). In 2019, he became President and COO (North America), overseeing the unified Dairy Division (USA) from August 2020 to November 2021 and from June 2022 to March 2023.
