Weetabix parent appoints new lead for cereal brand

Current commercial director Colm O’Dwyder will succeed Sally Abbott as managing director for the manufacturer effective 1 October. Abbot will transition to as strategic advisor role through her planned retirement on 31 March 2025.

O’Dwyer joined Weetabix from Coca-Cola Enterprises in the UK in 2016 and eventually became general manager of the Weetabix On-The-Go business. He has served as commercial director since 2018, taking over responsibility of Weetabix’s international business in 2022.

Post president and chief executive Robert V. Vitale said: “Sally has been an exceptional leader, helping to successfully integrate Weetabix into Post and building on the success of this iconic company.​

Passing the torch

“We wish Sally the best as she approaches her next chapter and congratulate Colm on his new role. Colm’s experience across innovation, brand management, revenue growth and customer relationships makes him exceptionally qualified to lead Weetabix.”​

Abbott and O’Dwyer will continue working closely together through March of next year to ensure a smooth business transition while Weetabix evaluates candidates to backfill the commercial director role.

Post Holdings also announced the appointment of Mike McCoy to the role of president and chief executive of its Refrigerated Retail Business, effective 1 October 2024. He succeeds Mark Delahanty, who transitions to a strategic advisor role ahead of his retirement on 31 May 2025.

Industry experience

McCoy boasts a wealth of industry experience to his new role, having served as executive vice president and chief financial officer for the business since 2019. He joined Post in 2014 as vice president of internal audit, transitioning to the role of executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Bob Evans Farms after its acquisition by Post in 2018.

“Mark’s leadership has significantly contributed to Post’s success through the years, first integrating our cereal businesses and then leading our Refrigerated Retail business,”​ Vitale added.

“We wish Mark well in his upcoming retirement and are excited to transition leadership of the business to Mike. Mike has grown his career through a variety of critical business areas within Post and will bring valuable leadership experience and enthusiasm to Refrigerated Retail.”​

Meanwhile, soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has appointed Simon Knight as its new managing director,​​ effective immediately, as his predecessor William Watkins transitions to the role of chief executive.