The global metal packaging giant said last week that current Euro chief Christopher C Homfray would be replaced by North American president Gerard H Gifford.
Homfray was stepping down for “personal reasons”but would continue to work for Crown as Executive vice president of the company’s European operations – reporting to the firm’s chairman and CEO John W Conway from Baar in Switzerland.
Gifford will take up his new role of from 1 June 2012.
Crown CEO Conway hailed the appointment and trumpeted the 57-year-old’s track record in North America.
"Our North American beverage business has made significant improvement in all areas including safety, quality, sustainability, productivity and profitability since Jerry assumed his current role in 2008," he said. "I have the utmost confidence in Jerry's ability to lead Crown Europe."
Gifford has moved steadily up the corporate ladder during his 29-year career with Crown – including in management, operations and customer relations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Clarkson University and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
