Gifford to head up Crown Europe
Gerard Gifford (pictured right) has been named as the new president of Crown Europe.
Christopher Homfray, who has been president since 2006, is stepping down due to personal reasons. He will remain with Crown as an executive vice president of the company’s European division, which is based in Baar, Switzerland. Homfray will report to John Conway, chairman and chief executive officer of Crown.
Gifford, who is currently president of Crown Beverage Packaging North America, will take up his new role on 1 June.
“Our North American beverage business has made significant improvement in all areas including safety, quality, sustainability, productivity and profitability since Gerard assumed his current role in 2008,” says Conway. “I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead Crown Europe.”
Gifford has been with the company for more than 29 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Clarkson University.
“Chris has led our European operations successfully during a period of volatile currencies and commodity prices as well as challenging economic times. We were fortunate to have had Chris during this time and I look forward to working with him in expanding our operating platform across Europe,” says Conway.
Homfray added: “I am confident this transition to new leadership will be smooth and seamless for our employees and other stakeholders, and allows what is best for my family and me personally.”
