ZURICH, SWITZERLAND — Kevin Toland has been named chief executive officer of baked foods company Aryzta AG. The news comes a little over three months after Owen Killian, the previous c.e.o., announced plans to resign at the end of the current fiscal year in July. Mr. Killian has been c.e.o. and executive director since 2008, when Aryzta was formed from a combination of IAWS Group P.L.C. and Hiestand.
Mr. Toland is expected to join Aryzta following a customary six-month notice period, or earlier, if both parties agree. Mr. Toland is currently c.e.o. of DAA, formerly Dublin Airport Authority, since 2013. Prior to that role, he was president and c.e.o. of Glanbia USA & Global Nutritionals, a division of Glanbia, where he led the business to become the largest manufacturer and exporter of American style cheese in the United States and the global leader in sports nutrition. He also held other senior roles at Glanbia, including group development director, chief executive of consumer foods, and director of strategy and marketing.
The board of Aryzta conducted a rigorous process to find its next leader and unanimously selected Mr. Toland based on his experience and expertise.
“The quality and strength of the Aryzta franchise attracted a number of high-quality candidates,” said Gary McGann, chairman. “Kevin has an outstanding track record of delivering strategically, operationally and financially. He is a proven c.e.o. of businesses undergoing significant transformation and brings extensive experience of the food sector.”
Along with Mr. Killian, it was announced in February Patrick McEniff, chief financial officer and chief operating officer, and John Yamin, c.e.o. of Americas, were departing the company. The company also said it was engaged in a review of its investment strategy in joint ventures. The news came less than a month after Aryzta announced a weak financial outlook, pressured by poor U.S. sales.
