Gay Lea Foods Co-op names new CEO

Michael Barrett, president & CEO of Gay Lea Foods Co-operative, plans to retire from the co-operative on January 31, 2023. Following an extensive global search, the board has appointed Suzanna Dalrymple as president & CEO, effective February 1, 2023.

Barrett has been with Gay Lea Foods for 22 years, serving as president & CEO since 2014. During his time as CEO, the Canadian co-operative has made several strategic acquisitions, including expansion into Western Canada, constructing the only nutraceutical-grade dairy ingredients facility in Canada, and modernizing and expanding existing processing capacity and capabilities in Ontario.

“Gay Lea Foods has achieved remarkable growth over the last eight years, thanks to the vision, leadership and team that Michael has built within and surrounding our co-operative,” said board chair Rob Goodwill. “During his time as CEO, we have transformed our co-operative into a national business while setting it on a strong path toward our next phase of sustainable growth and our shared purpose of enriching communities co-operatively. I am excited by the opportunities ahead as we look forward to further realizing our potential as a sustainable, growing foods co-operative with Suzanna Dalrymple as our incoming CEO.”

Most recently, Dalrymple led the Canada Pet Nutrition unit for Mars as general manager where she was known for consistently delivering strong business results while improving capabilities, competencies, and team talent. Prior to senior roles with Mars Pet Nutrition Canada, Dalrymple spent almost two decades at Procter & Gamble Canada, working progressively through senior roles in brand management and sales. Throughout her career, Dalrymple has had a passion for people, often sponsoring the Women’s Network, and driving inclusive succession planning. Dalrymple will begin her transition into Gay Lea Foods on October 31.