NEW CEO FOR COLLINS FOODS

COLLINS Foods Limited (ASX: CKF) has appointed Graham Maxwell as chief executive officer effective 29 September 2014.

Maxwell is currently the company’s chief operating officer and group chief financial officer and will succeed Kevin Perkins (pictured).

Perkins has been with the CFK for 35 years, 29 of which in the capacities of managing director and chief executive officer.

He will continue to be a member of CFK’s remuneration and nomination committee, and will remain in the business as an executive director following a period of leave later this year.

CFK chairman Russell Tate says preparations for Maxwell’s appointment have been in the works for some time, and he is looking forward to continued strong performance.

Maxwell will be credit with a fixed salary of $650,000 per annum, and the contract is on an initial term of three years.

“Graham’s transition to the chief executive role has been planned for some time and we fully expect that the working relationship which he and Kevin have established will make the transition seamless,” says Tate.

“They have together led the company through what has been an extremely busy and successful period and we are confident that Graham’s leadership and focus on the company’s growth potential will drive continued strong performance outcomes as we at the same time benefit from Kevin’s 35 years of experience.”

Tate thanked Perkins for “tireless leadership and absolute commitment” over the period of his tenure, while Perkins commented that there was no better fit for the role than Maxwell.

“It was time for me to take a break and hand over to the next generation of leadership at the company.

“There is no better person to lead Collins Foods than Graham, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Graham and the team in my new role.”

Previous to joining CKF, Maxwell held roles in corporate and franchise businesses, predominantly in fast foods and fast moving consumer goods.

His most recent external appointment was serving as director of international, ingredients and private label at SPC Ardmona, where he repositioned its growth strategy and grew profitability.

CFK’s share price is trading down 0.81 per cent following the announcement at $2.45 per share.