The Boise, Idaho, USA-headquartered J.R. Simplot Company, in combining two high profile units into a newly formed global food business group, has named Graham Dugdale as its president. Previously in charge of Simplot Australia operations, he is now heading up the merger of that organization with the Simplot International Food Group, which had been led by Mark McKellar, who is retiring later this year.
In addition to being a major frozen potatoes products manufacturer and marketer, Simplot operations in Australia and New Zealand include the Birds Eye frozen vegetable brand as well as Edgell, Chiko, I&J, Seakist and other popular labels.
“With change comes opportunity, and we saw a unique opportunity to capitalize on a global structure that leverages the knowledge of our employees, the capabilities we have as an organization and, in particular, better aligns our global food manufacturing footprint,” said Simplot President and CEO Garrett Lofto. “Graham is a strong, collaborative leader who has proven his value while leading our Simplot Australia division for several years and serving on our senior leadership team. His track record, strategic thinking and growth mindset make him the perfect choice to lead our employees and our global customer base into this exciting new phase.”
The creation of Simplot Global Foods comes after the announcement of McKellar’s retirement following 27 successful years with the company, including the previous 12 as president of its Food Group. Under his leadership, the group expanded and enhanced a number of food processing plants; built new, state-of-the art facilities in Idaho and Argentina; and expanded customer service on a global scale.
“Mark has been a transformational leader for Simplot,” Lofto said. “He helped us see the vision of what could be and put the structure in place to turn that vision into reality. His legacy with the J.R. Simplot Company will live long past his retirement.”
Dugdale has worked for Simplot for 18 years, including the past five as managing director of the Australia business group. He started his career in the finance sector in London, England, before embarking into the food business in South Africa, his home country.
“This is an exciting new phase in global foods for the J.R. Simplot Company, one with great promise to better serve a growing customer base with more efficient operations, global supply delivery and enhanced customer service,” Dugdale said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and am committed to helping the Company, our employees and customers as we contribute to feeding our world.”
About Simplot
In addition to food processing companies, the family-owned J.R. Simplot Company’s integrated portfolio of businesses includes enterprises engaged in phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, as well as other units related to agriculture. It has major operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia and China.
