Moscow, Russia — June 3, 2004 — Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods OJSC [NYSE: WBD] today announced the appointment of Francesco Giuffredi as Group Head of Production. the above appointment and the creation of this new position at Wimm-Bill-Dann reflect the company’s strategic objective of optimizing its business and management structures in order to enhance overall operating efficiency.
Mr Giuffredi joined Parmalat in 1981 as assistant to the technical general manager and stayed with the company for 23 years until March of last year. As a Board member and the head of production, Mr Giuffredi was responsible for the start up and integration of regional production facilities into the group. He was specifically responsible for the developing markets of Eastern Europe, Central America and China. He was also responsible for the group’s Research and Development, technical innovations and quality control.
“We are delighted that we are being joined by one of the most respected and experienced professionals in the dairy business,” — Sergei Plastinin said in a statement. “Francesco managed to build a cost effective and efficient network of production facilities in over 30 countires. Of course, I am aware of the current situation at Parmalat, but remain convinced that the production side of Parmalat’s business was a highly sophisticated and enviable one.”
Mr Giuffredi was born in Parma, Italy, where he graduated from the Industrial Chemistry University. Prior to joining Parmalat, Mr Giuffredi worked for Montedison and ENI for over 10 years.
“When I look at the most modern equipment that Wimm-Bill-Dann has today, I can hardly beileve that only 20 years ago, in 1983, I first came to the then Soviet Union to sell a UHT production line to a dairy plant in Kiev. It was then, in 1984, that the USSR produced its first ever UHT milk. A lot of progress has been made since then, and I really believe that Wimm-Bill-Dann was a major player in bringing this progress about. Wimm-Bill-Dann has built a strong production base, both in Russia and in the regions. I believe I can apply my global experience of integrating newly acquired businesses and help create a cost effective and synergized production base for Russia’s market leader.”
The newly appointed Head of Group Production will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer Sergei Plastinin.
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