Compass Minerals announced today that Francis J. Malecha, 48, will become its new president and CEO Jan. 17, 2013, and will be appointed to its board of directors.
Malecha joins Compass Minerals with more than 25 years of experience in agri-business. Most recently he had been chief operating officer-grain of Viterra Inc., the $7 billion global agri-business company. He joined Viterra in 2000, where his responsibilities included global grain merchandising, transportation, operations, commodity risk management, and international merger and acquisition activity. Viterra was acquired by Glencore International Plc in December 2012, and Malecha was named head of agricultural products for North America.
“I am thrilled to take the helm at Compass Minerals,” commented Malecha. “The company has an exceptional salt franchise, a strong niche in specialty fertilizers, and the cash flow generation to power opportunities for further profitable growth.”
Richard Grant of the Compass Minerals board of directors noted, “We are delighted to have someone with Fran’s leadership capabilities and expertise step into this role. His experience in Canada, the United States and globally demonstrates skills very relevant to Compass Minerals in realizing the potential across our portfolio.”
From 1986 to 2000, Malecha had a career of increasing responsibility with General Mills Inc. in financial and merchandising-management roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of St. Thomas.