MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO – Maple Leaf Foods has named Nadia Theodore as its new senior vice president of Global Industry and Government Relations, effective Oct. 13. Theodore will succeed Rory McAlpine, who will retire after 15 years with the company.

Theodore joins Maple Leaf from the Canadian government, where she has worked for 20 years. Since 2004, she has focused on global affairs and trade policy through diplomatic roles in Canada and abroad. She served most recently as Consul General of Canada, posted in Atlanta. She also served three years as Canada's counselor to the World Trade Organization in Geneva.

"Nadia's deep experience in global issues, her understanding of government and her diplomatic skills will be tremendous value to Maple Leaf Foods," said Michael McCain, president and chief executive officer. "We are grateful for Rory McAlpine's long-standing leadership of industry and government relations and we know that Nadia will be an outstanding successor."

Theodore received her bachelor's and master's degrees in political science at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, and received her law degree at the University of London.