Saputo appoints Carl Colizza as Chief Operating Officer for N. America

CANADA – Canadian dairy company, Saputo has appointed Carl Colizza as President and Chief Operating Officer for North American operations effective April 1, 2019.

Prior to his appointment, Colizza was responsible for the dairy company’s businesses in Canada and Argentina.

He will report to the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Kai Bockmann who also acts as President and Chief Operating Officer for the International Sector, which includes the Dairy Divisions Australia and Argentina. 

Succeeding Carl Colizza in his previous role is Frank Guido, who has been named President and Chief Operating Officer, Dairy Division Canada effective April 1, 2019.

Guido joined the company in 2015 and has held several senior management positions in operations and logistics.

According to Saputo, the management changes are aimed at supporting its operations and growth strategy.

The company recently acquired the British dairy products company, Dairy Crest for US$1.2 billion to expand its market presence in the UK.

Saputo said Dairy Crest was a strong fit in its growth strategy, presenting a strong product portfolio including cheese, butters, spreads and oils.

In North America, it continued to make investments in its operations with a focus on international expansion.

Last November, the company invested US$240 million in a new dairy processing facility in Port-Coquitlam, Canada, set to be completed by 2021.

To maintain its position as the leading dairy processor in Canada, Saputo unveiled intends to improve operational efficiencies in order to mitigate pressure on margins, low growth and competitive market conditions.

In line with this strategy, it agreed to offload a production facility in Burnaby, British Columbia for US$209 million in order to focus on core assets.

Saputo also acquired F&A Dairy Products in a deal worth approximately US$85 million.

The deal included F&A’s two manufacturing facilities located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Dresser, Wisconsin and 170 employees.

Other acquisitions include Ontario-based sheep’s cheese and yogurt maker Shepherd Gourmet and Australia’s struggling dairy business Murray Goulburn for US$1 billion.