Boise, ID – The J.R. Simplot Company has named Graham Dugdale president of its newly formed Global Foods business group. Dugdale previously led Simplot Australia and will now assume the role of merging that business group with Simplot International Food Group previously led by Mark McKellar, who is retiring later this year.
“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 Garrett Lofto, Simplot President and CEO. “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 McKellar’s retirement following 27 successful years with the company, including the previous 12 as president of Food Group. Under McKellar’s leadership, Food Group expanded and enhanced a number of processing plants; built new, state-of-the art facilities in Idaho and Argentina; and expanded its vision of customer service at a global scale, putting in motion the opportunities now realized by the company.
“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, UK, 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.”
For more information, visit www.simplot.com.