The decision was made after Kosza left the company, although she was initially set to work for the Norwegian group until January 1, 2008. A shareholder of paint producer Fabryo Corporation announced at the end of September that Aliz Kosza would be taking over that company’s management as of January 1.
“Kosza left Orkla following her resignation. Until the new manager is publicly announced, Johan Wilhelmsson will serve as interim General Manager,” Uwe Birkkjaer, Orkla’s CEO for Central and Eastern Europe, told Business Standard. Wilhelmsson was previously Financial Director for Swedish-based Abba Seafood company, owned by Orkla group.
Birkkjaer added the new manager of the Romanian branch will be announced early next year. He or she will be selected from among candidates within and outside the company, he added.
Aliz Kosza became General Manager of Orkla Foods Romania in 2003. She had previously worked for oil company MOL Romania and chocolate producer Kraft Jacobs, as General Manager. Orkla entered the Romanian market in 2002, following the purchase of Topway Food company, producer of margarine, sauces, ketchup and mustard. Following a 15 percent drop in margarine consumption, the company lowered its estimates for 2007, from €40 mln in turnover forecast at the beginning of the year. Company officials declined to provide new estimates.
