SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
October 1, 2007
McCormick & Company, Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland |
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0-748 |
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52-0408290 |
(State or other jurisdiction |
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(Commission |
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(IRS Employer |
of incorporation) |
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File Number) |
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Identification No.) |
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18 Loveton Circle |
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Sparks, Maryland |
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21152 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (410) 771-7301
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b).
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c).
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.
(b) On October 1, 2007, the Registrant issued a press release to announce that Alan D. Wilson, President and Chief Operating Officer will be named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective January 1, 2008 and a member of the Board of Directors effective November 27, 2007. In addition, Mr. Robert J. Lawless also announced his plans to retire from the Company on January 1, 2008 and to continue to serve as Chairman of the Board following his retirement.
Furnished with this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the press release labeled McCormick Names Alan D. Wilson President and CEO Effective January 1, 2008; Robert J. Lawless will retire and continue to serve as Board Chairman.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
The exhibits to this report are listed in Item 5.02 above and in the Exhibit Index that follows the signature line.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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McCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED |
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Date: October 1, 2007 |
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By: |
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/s/ Robert W. Skelton |
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Robert W. Skelton |
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Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary |
Exhibit |
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Exhibit Description |
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99.1 |
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Copy of the press release labeled McCormick Names Alan D. Wilson President and CEO Effective January 1, 2008; Robert J. Lawless will retire and continue to serve as Board Chairman. |
Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McCORMICK NAMES ALAN D. WILSON
PRESIDENT AND CEO EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 1, 2008; ROBERT J. LAWLESS TO RETIRE AND CONTINUE TO SERVE AS
BOARD CHAIRMAN
SPARKS, MD, OCTOBER 1 - - - Robert J. Lawless, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC), announced today that the Board of Directors has elected Alan D. Wilson President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective January 1, 2008 and a member of the Board of Directors effective November 27, 2007. Mr. Wilson, 49, joined the Company in 1993 and was named President and Chief Operating Officer in December 2006. Mr. Lawless, 60, also announced his plans to retire from the Company on January 1, 2008 and to continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.
Commented Mr. Lawless, Organizational leaders have many opportunities and challenges in todays business environment, but one of the most important is the legacy of leadership. Alan brings to this role a great diversity of experience in general management and supply chain. He has been involved in key aspects of McCormicks international and domestic operations. He has demonstrated leadership in each position he has held and is respected throughout the Company for his ability to set direction, make the right decisions and manage complexity. Alan is well prepared to become CEO of this organization, and I am committed to providing a smooth transition to ensure the continued success of McCormick.
During his 14-year career, Mr. Wilson has served as President, Tubed Products, Inc., President, McCormick Canada and President - North American Consumer Foods and Supply Chain. Each of these businesses grew in sales and profitability under his management. In addition, Mr. Wilson was instrumental in the development of the spice revitalization program that is being rolled out in the U.S. and the execution of a restructuring program that is on-track to generate $50 million of cost savings. He currently serves on the Chairmans Advisory Council of the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
During his 30-year career with McCormick, Mr. Lawless has contributed to the success of the Company in a number of important roles. He was named President in 1996 and CEO in 1997. Under Mr. Lawless dynamic leadership, McCormick has grown significantly. Sales have risen to nearly $3 billion today from $1.7 billion in 1996, and the Companys market capitalization has more than doubled. His strategic thinking and competitive spirit were invaluable in driving the Companys success over the past decade. Internationally, McCormicks global footprint has grown substantially during his time as CEO. Mr. Lawless currently serves on the Board of Directors for Constellation Energy and the Board of Directors for Baltimore Life. In addition, he serves on several non-profit boards and has received numerous awards within the community in recognition of his leadership and philanthropy.
Bob Lawless has been a great leader for this Company, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps, commented Mr. Wilson. McCormick is well-positioned for global growth with a strong, experienced management team. I am looking forward to working with our Board of Directors, the leadership team and all of our employees to take us to the next level.
About McCormick
McCormick & Company, Incorporated is the global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, seasonings and flavors to the entire food industry to foodservice and food manufacturers as well as to retail outlets.
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For
information contact:
Corporate Communications:
John McCormick (410-771-7110 or
john_mccormick@mccormick.com)
10/2007