Lawrence Kurzius, most recently President of McCormick’s businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has been promoted to President, International, it was announced today by McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC). In his new role, he continues to have responsibility for McCormick businesses in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while adding responsibility for Canada, Asia and Australia. He will also drive business growth in emerging markets. Kurzius’ new role becomes effective September 1, 2008.
Simultaneously with this change, Malcolm Swift, currently Vice President Consumer Group – Europe, the Middle East and Africa, is promoted to succeed Kurzius as President - Europe, the Middle East and Africa, reporting to Kurzius.
Kurzius joined McCormick in 2003 as President and CEO of Zatarain’s when McCormick acquired the Zatarain’s business. He was promoted to Vice President and General Manager – Sales and Marketing for the United States Consumer Products Division in 2005. Later that year he was promoted to President – United States Consumer Foods.
Kurzius had been with Zatarain’s for 12 years prior to joining McCormick. He had also held marketing positions with Uncle Ben’s, a division of Mars, Inc, and the Quaker Oats Company. He holds a BA in Economics from Princeton University.
For the past two years as President of McCormick’s business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Kurzius strengthened the synergies between McCormick’s industrial and consumer businesses in those regions and provided strategic direction generating positive results over that time. For his new position, he is relocating to Hunt Valley, Maryland.
Malcolm Swift joined McCormick in 2005 and held positions previously with Pedigree Petfoods, Diageo Plc, Time Warner, Inc., and Hero AG.
In announcing the appointments, McCormick President and CEO Alan Wilson said, “Growing our business globally remains a strategic priority for McCormick, and these organizational changes support the accomplishment of that goal. Lawrence has provided important leadership in our European Zone for the past few years and has worked closely with Malcolm to develop him as a successor. These two promotions are part of our ongoing succession planning and talent development.”
Contacts:
John McCormick,
410-771-7110
john_mccormick@mccormick.com
