Patties appoints new Chair

Mark Smith has been appointed Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Patties Foods Ltd, a leading Australian frozen food company.

Smith takes over the role from Chris Riordan, who announced his intention to retire at the company’s AGM in November 2012.

Smith has had extensive global experience in the manufacturing and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors across Australasia, USA, UK and Asia-Pacific.  He is a Non-Executive Director of Toll Holdings and GUD Holdings, and a past Chairman of Manassen Foods Group.

From 2003 to 2007, Smith was Managing Director of Cadbury Schweppes Australia and New Zealand. During his 16-year career with the company, he held senior management positions in Australia, the UK and North America. He has also held senior marketing management positions with Unilever and Uncle Toby’s.

“The Board of Patties Foods welcomes the opportunity to have appointed a Chairman with the depth of branded FMCG and board experience that Mark Smith brings to the company,” said Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Selection Committee Curt Leonard.

Smith is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, a former Board member of the Australian Food and Grocery Council, a Committee member of the Melbourne Cricket Club and serves on a number of not-for-profit boards.