Chiquita Brands International Inc. named Manuel Rodriguez corporate responsibility officer. Rodriguez assumes this position in addition to his duties as senior vice president of government and international affairs. In his new role, Rodriguez oversees Chiquita’s adherence to leading environmental, social and ethical standards, and the measurement, verification and reporting of the company’s performance in those areas.
“As a member of the executive leadership team, Manuel will ensure that corporate responsibility continues to be woven into every major decision we make as a company,” says Fernando Aguirre, chairman and CEO. “Manuel has been a driving force behind the development and implementation of the labor rights framework agreement we signed in 2001 with the International Union of Foodworkers and COLSIBA, the affiliation of banana workers unions in Latin America.
“This landmark agreement has been widely recognized as a model for workers’ rights.”
Rodriguez will report to Aguirre and will communicate on important policy issues with the nominating and governance committee of the board of directors.
“Manuel has long been an outspoken advocate for high standards of environmental and social performance, including labor rights, both within Chiquita and in the industry,” Aguirre said.
One hundred percent of Chiquita’s banana farms in Latin America, which cover more than 15,000 hectares and employ approximately 14,000 people, have achieved certification to the stringent standards of the Rainforest Alliance and SA8000.
NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center appointed Love Collins III as vice president – advancement. Most recently, Collins was vice president of development at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Fla., and executive director of the FAMU Foundation.
AK STEEL
Thomas McKenna joined AK Steel as vice president of labor relations. He is responsible for the steelmaker’s labor relations functions and its union-management relationships.
Most recently, McKenna was deputy chief of staff for policy for former Indiana governor Joseph E. Kernan. McKenna held several other positions with the state of Indiana, including chief of staff for the Office of Lieutenant Governor and executive director, Indiana Department of Commerce, where he also oversaw the Indiana Steel Advisory Commission and was a member of the Indiana Parole Board.
Prior to his public service, McKenna was managing partner of law firm Bamberger & Feibleman and operated his own human resource consulting firm. From 1979 to 1984, he was director of human resources for the Midwest Steel Division of the former National Steel Corp. At Midwest Steel, he designed and implemented numerous employee involvement and cost improvement initiatives.
“Tom McKenna is an outstanding addition to the executive management team of AK Steel,” says James L. Wainscott, president and CEO of AK Steel. “Tom’s integrity, boundless energy and unique perspective will serve our company well in this extremely important role.”
McKenna holds a bachelor of arts degree in English, and a juris doctorate degree, both from the University of Notre Dame.
LOCKFAST INC.
Lockfast named Andrew Simmons general manager for London-based Lockfast Europe Ltd. Simmons assumes full responsibility for unit operation and sales, effective immediately. Lockfast Europe Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockfast Inc., a major U.S. supplier of exhibition and assembly products headquartered in Mason.
Simmons previously served as sales manager for a major European supplier of components to the industry.
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO.
Paul Polman, group president-Western Europe of The Procter & Gamble Co., is retiring effective June 30. Until then, he will work on special projects, including aspects of the Gillette transition in Western Europe.
“Paul Polman has led a strong turnaround in P&G Western Europe business over the past four years,” says Chairman, President and CEO A.G. Lafley. “He has built a strong Western European team and laid the foundation for further growth. He has also been an inspirational leader for his organization. We thank him for his 25 years of service to P&G.”
P&G’s board of directors elected Laurent L. Philippe group president – Western Europe, succeeding Polman. Previously, Philippe was president-Greater China.
The board also elected Daniela Riccardi president-Greater China, from her position of vice president-Eastern Europe.
ACHIEVE INC.
Achieve Inc. named Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher to its board of directors. Achieve Inc. is a nonprofit organization created by the National Governors Association to help raise education standards and achievement levels for students nationwide.
The Achieve board is composed of six governors: three Republicans and three Democrats. The board also has six CEOs from private-sector companies. Fletcher will serve a two-year term.
“I am honored to be asked to serve on the Achieve board,” Fletcher says. “Whenever I am among my fellow governors, I am struck by how many face similar education issues.”
OHIO CASUALTY INSURANCE CO.
Paul Gerard joins Ohio Casualty Insurance Co. as senior vice president of investments. Gerard replaces Richard Kelly, who left in April 2004.
Gerard comes to the company from GE Asset Management and Genworth Financial in Stamford, Conn., where he held several portfolio management roles. Prior to that, he was senior investment officer with Principal Capital Management in Des Moines.
At Ohio Casualty, he oversees all activities of the company’s investments department, including managing investments and working with outside vendors.
