Empire Company Limited (company) announced two appointments to its senior executive ranks. Michael Vels has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc. effective June 12, 2017. Mr. Vels was most recently Chief Financial Officer of Hydro One where he played an instrumental role in that organization's Initial Public Offering in 2015, laying the foundations for transformation of Hydro One from a crown corporation to a customer focused, commercial investor owned electrical utility. From 2004-2014, he served as Maple Leaf Foods' Chief Financial Officer where he led the company's finance, mergers and acquisitions, information technology and communications functions, supporting the successful transformation of Maple Leaf as it implemented new systems, invested in manufacturing and supply chain initiatives, and finally, in 2014 as Chief Transition Officer led the restructuring of senior management and back office functions.

Clinton Keay who has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer since July 2016 will assume the role of Executive Vice President, Technology and Lead of the Transformation Office, overseeing the company's efforts as it moves to restructure the way it does business. Mr. Keay served as the company's head of IT from 2002-2014 before being appointed Executive Vice President, Finance. He will continue to report to Mr. Medline and serve on the company's Leadership Committee.