In a clear signal that he is in line to be the next head of Smurfit operations in Europe, Mr Tony Smurfit is to become deputy chief executive of the European division, with effect from October 1st.
Thirty-four-year-old Mr Smurfit, a son of group chairman Dr Michael Smurfit, has been chief executive of Smurfit France since November, 1996. He will become deputy to the chief executive of Smurfit Europe, Mr Pat Barrett. Announcing three senior management appointments yesterday, Mr Barrett said they were designed to strengthen operational and strategic control in the division which has expanded significantly since the acquisition of Cellulose du Pin some 18 months ago. Mr Barrett, 62 next year, has been in the manufacturing business for 40 years. He said he wanted to put a management structure in place which had experience and a track record. "I want to ensure that leadership is in place for the future," he said. Stating he would remain in place as long as the group wanted him to, he said he had had a "long innings" and did not rule out retirement in a year to 18 months.
The other appointments announced yesterday were the replacement of Mr Smurfit at Smurfit France by Mr Francois Vittoz who is currently chief executive of Smurfit Spain and Portugal and Sacks.
Mr Miguel Mediero who manages Smurfit Europe's Spanish mills will become chief executive of Smurfit Spain and Portugal.
Mr Barrett said that all three promotions were made on the basis of "excellent track records". The strategy of the Europe division is to expand and develop its corrugated box operations geographically.
Taking a 75 per cent stake in Nettingsdorfer has ensured the group's strong milling position in Europe but it wants to build up its box operation to take "a leadership position" in all of the main European countries.
Smurfit has a strong share of the box markets in France, Holland, Italy and Ireland but is relatively weak in Germany and Spain, he explained. "We are aiming for a 15 per cent to 20 per cent stake in the main European countries," he said.
