CANADA – The global organic and specialty food company, SunOpta specialty foods, has announced the appointment of Scott E. Huckins as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective September 3, 2019.

Mr. Huckins will succeed Robert McKeracher, who has served as SunOpta’s CFO since 2011. Mr. McKeracher will work closely with Mr. Huckins through the end of 2019 to ensure a seamless transition.

Mr. Huckins brings in has extensive experience in strategic planning, working capital management and risk management together with a deep understanding of banking relationships and treasury.

He is a seasoned financial executive with 30 years of financial management and capital markets experience.

Mr. Huckins most recently served as Executive Vice President, CFO of Claire’s Stores, a US$1.3 billion global retailer, from 2016 until joining SunOpta.

Prior to his appointment in Claire’s, Mr. Huckins served as the Vice President and Treasurer of Sears Holdings and President of Sears Re, a US$4 billion Bermudan Class 3 captive reinsurance company, from 2012-2016.

He has also served as Vice President of Treasury, Tax and Investor Relations for RSC Holdings, an equipment services company and held various leadership roles at Koch Industries.

Joe Ennen, Chief Executive Officer at SunOpta, said, “I could not be more thrilled to welcome Scott to SunOpta where he will undoubtedly make an immediate impact as we continue the work necessary to drive growth, improve margins and create long-term shareholder value.

“Scott brings extensive financial, operational, and strategic experience to SunOpta along with a proven history of delivering results and a strong discipline in cost and cash control.

“I am particularly impressed with his experience as an operationally oriented CFO and his ability to passionately lead a financial function during challenging times and with a strong sense of urgency.”

Mr. Huckins holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Arizona State University.

 “It is clear to me that SunOpta has an incredible future ahead of it and I am excited to be joining the team,” said Scott Huckins.

“While company transformations are never easy, I’ve been impressed with the progress SunOpta has made to date and can see the pieces coming together.

“I look forward to helping SunOpta continue on its transformational journey with a focus on growth, earnings and cash flow.”