Cott Corporation (NYSE:COT; TSX:BCB), the world's largest retailer brand soft drink provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas J. (TJ) Aruffo as Chief Information and Shared Services Officer, effective immediately.
Aruffo brings strong leadership experience in information technology, business development and strategy to the role, including corporate transformation projects in companies undergoing significant change and growth. Most recently, he was divisional Chief Information Officer for AmerisourceBergin Corporation, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical services companies and the largest provider of integrated workers compensation services in the U.S.
"The addition of TJ to our leadership team is an important step in further strengthening Cott's business fundamentals," said Brent Willis, Chief Executive Officer of Cott. "Cost-reduction, world-class customer service, manufacturing efficiency and innovation all depend on our ability to maximize technology. I'm confident that TJ's experience will enable us to build a strategic platform for knowledge, systems and information to support our growth on a global scale."
Aruffo will report directly to the CEO and sit on the Company's Management Committee, a reflection of the increased emphasis Cott is placing on the strategic utilization of technology and focus on operational excellence.
Prior to his role at AmerisourceBergin, Aruffo was Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Energy Services for NiSource, a major North American energy company. He has also held IT leadership positions for other Fortune 500 companies including Fidelity Investments and Prudential Insurance Company. Aruffo received a Master of Arts in Space Systems from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. TJ is a former F-14 Naval Aviator and Naval Reserve Commander.
CONTACT:Media Relations, Kerry Morgan, Tel: (416) 203-5613; Investor Relations, Edmund O'Keeffe, Tel: (416) 203-5617
February 6, 2007
