January 28, 2016 - Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc. has announced the appointment of Fred Schaeffer to the position of President, effective February 1, 2016. Mr. Schaeffer will report to the Company's owners and Co-CEOs, Michael Higgins and Paul Higgins Jr. Mr. Schaeffer is a senior Consumer Packaged Goods executive with an impressive career spanning retail and private label food and beverage in North America and abroad. Most recently he was the Regional President for Asia, Middle East & North Africa for McCain Foods Limited. This appointment followed six years as President of McCain Foods Canada.
Prior to joining McCain in 2005, Mr. Schaeffer spent 22 years in progressively more senior roles with Kraft Foods. His responsibilities spanned sales, category, brand, business development and strategy, ultimately leading to his appointment as President of Kraft Canada in 2002. During his time with Kraft, Mr. Schaeffer worked in both the US and Canada, in Foodservice and Retail channels.
"Fred's ability to balance strategic and operational requirements, his exceptional relationship building and customer focus, and his track record of executing for results make him the ideal candidate to help take Mother Parkers to a new level of performance," said Paul Higgins Jr. in making the announcement.
Michael Higgins added: "Fred has been successful in leading strong and energized teams throughout his career and has shown his commitment to coaching and developing people. This will be extremely important for our company as we work together to mentor and develop the next generation of the Higgins family in our business."
Both Michael Higgins and Paul Higgins Jr. will remain active in the Company and will continue to operate in their current roles as Co-CEOs. "Our intent is that Mother Parkers will continue to grow and succeed with the Higgins family at the helm as owners for many, many years," they commented. "We are confident that the Company will benefit from the fresh perspectives that Fred will bring as a dynamic and experienced business leader."
Mr. Schaeffer is a native of Kansas and has been a permanent resident of Canada since 2002. He received his MBA degree from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. Fred has been an active member of industry and charitable associations throughout his career, twice serving as Chairman of Food and Consumer Products Association of Canada, serving on the Board of Food Banks Canada as well as a Board member of Food Industry Asia. He will be based in the corporate offices of Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee in Mississauga, Ontario.
