Aryzta AG: announces new Chairman of the Board

Zurich / CH. (aag) Following the last meeting of the Board of Swiss Aryzta AG, significant Board changes are announced. Gary McGann is join the Board as Chairman and Rolf Watter is to join as a non-executive director. The appointments are subject to approval by Aryzta shareholders at its upcoming AGM on 13 December 2016. Commenting on the proposed appointment, retiring Chairman Denis Lucey said: «The Board is delighted to have secured the services of McGann and Prof. Watter. Gary and Rolf bring a wealth of experience, expertise and capability which will serve the Board and the shareholders».

Gary Mc Gann – Current roles: McGann has extensive experience in leading, managing and governance of major global businesses. He is currently chairman of Paddy Power Betfair PLC, one of the leading sports betting and gaming groups in the world. McGann is also a current Director of Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (SKG), Green REIT PLC, and MPS PLC.

Executive Career: McGann retired from his position as Group Chief Executive Officer of SKG in late 2015 after 17 years of service (13 as Group CEO). Previous roles included Group CEO of Aer Lingus, CEO of Gilbeys of Ireland and Group Financial Controller of Ericsson Ireland.

Non-executive Career – Former: McGann is a former chairman of DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) and the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). He is also a former director of UDG Healthcare PLC, Anglo Irish Bank PLC, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and IBEC (Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation).

Education and Qualifications: Gary McGann obtained a Bachelor of Arts from U.C.D., is a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Accountants (FCCA), holds a Masters degree in Management Science (MScMgnt), and is an Honorary Fellow of the National College of Ireland.

Rolf Watter – Current roles: Rolf Watter has been a partner at the Zurich law firm Bar + Karrer since 1994. He specialises in M+A and capital market transactions and is a leading expert in corporate governance. He is currently Chairman of PostFinance AG and serves as a non-executive director of AW Faber Castell AG and AP Alternative Portfolio AG. He is a member of the Regulatory Board of the SIX Swiss Exchange and is also a professor of law at the University of Zurich.

Non-executive Career – Former: Rolf Watter is a former chairman of Noble Biocare Holding AG, Glacier Holdings GP SA and Cablecom Holdings. In addition, he was a Board member of Zurich Insurance Group AG, Syngenta AG, Forbo Holding AG, and Centrepulse AG.

Education and Qualifications: Rolf Watter is a member of the Bar of Zurich and holds a Doctorate in law from the University of Zurich and a Master of Law degree from Georgetown University, Washington D.C, USA.

Retirements: As announced at last year’s AGM, Denis Lucey retires from the Board, effective from the 2016 AGM. In addition, Shaun B. Higgins is not standing for further re-election. The Board wishes to extend its gratitude to both Lucey and Higgins for their service with Aryzta.