11th Dec 2007 07:01
Greencore Group PLC11 December 2007 GREENCORE GROUP PLC CONTACT: Ms C M BerginTELEPHONE: +353 1 605 1004FAX: +353 1 6051104 GREENCORE GROUP PLC ("GREENCORE") ANNOUNCES: - DAVID DILGER TO LEAVE GREENCORE IN 2008 - PATRICK COVENEY APPOINTED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE DESIGNATE The board of directors of Greencore, the leading food group, has announced today(Tuesday 11 December 2007), that David Dilger, chief executive of the Group, hasadvised the Board of his intention to retire from his position on 31 March 2008. The Board has accepted his decision with regret. The Board has also announcedthat Patrick Coveney will succeed David as chief executive from that date.Patrick is currently chief financial officer of Greencore. Ned Sullivan, chairman of Greencore, said, "I would like to pay tribute to theleadership and achievement of David Dilger in his role as our chief executivesince he assumed the position in 1995. Supported by the executive team that hehas built, David has successfully transformed Greencore into one of Europe'sleading convenience foods producers, overcoming enormous challenges along theway. In doing so, he has demonstrated vision, clarity of direction andunrelenting personal commitment to achieve our business objectives. "He leaves a robust, well positioned business with a strong management team, aclear strategy and the people to ensure that Greencore is optimally positionedto create value for customers and shareholders alike. We are very grateful forDavid's enormous contribution to Greencore. "We are pleased to have been able to appoint a high calibre successor inPatrick, an outstanding executive who the Board has seen deal effectively withchallenges and with achievements. He has played a highly influential role inthe development of the business over the past two years and combines strongleadership qualities with proven business expertise. It is a great testament tothe strength of the Greencore management team that the Board's selection processfeatured a number of very able, well qualified candidates. David and Patrickwill ensure a seamless transition over the coming months." David Dilger said, "This is an ideal time for me to step down, as Greencore hasnever been in better shape. It's a privilege to be able to hand over theleadership of the Group to Patrick and a brilliant, dynamic and hungrymanagement team with all the passion and skills required to drive Greencoreforward over the years to come. I am very confident that they will capitaliseon the growth opportunities we've identified." Patrick Coveney (aged 37) joined Greencore in 2005 as chief financial officer.He was appointed to the Board in September of that year. Patrick has played acentral role in the development of Greencore's strategy and business over thepast two years across all business segments and functions. In addition, Patrickhas overseen the financial planning and management of the business and haspresided over the significant recent strengthening of the Group's balance sheetand financial position. Prior to joining Greencore, he was managing partner ofMcKinsey Ireland. During his time with McKinsey, he gained extensive knowledgeand experience in European consumer food, food service and retail marketsdeveloping and executing strategies for a number of international food and drinkclients. C M Bergin Group Company Secretary 11 December 2007 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:Billy Murphy / Anne-Marie Curran, Drury Tel: +353 (0)1 260 5000Communications BM Mob: +353 (0)87 2313085 AC Mob: +353 (0)87 2864079Rory Godson, Powerscourt Tel: +44 (0)20 7250 1446 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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