Terence E. Block, President, Nestle Purina PetCare-North American Pet Food, to Retire at the End of 2011

Joseph R. Sivewright, President, Nestle Purina PetCare-Latin America, to succeed Block

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Feb 04, 2011, 01:06 ET

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Terence E. Block, President, North American Pet Food for Nestle Purina PetCare Company, today announced his plans to retire at the end of 2011, after more than 33 years of service to the Company.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110204/CG42683-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110204/CG42683-b)

W. Patrick McGinnis, Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Purina PetCare, said, "Terry Block has made tremendous contributions to the growth and success of our pet food business – first as part of Ralston Purina Company and for the last nine years as part of Nestle. Terry is known throughout our industry for his passion, competitiveness and innovative leadership. On a personal note, I've worked with Terry for more than three decades, and will certainly miss him. We look forward to his continuing contributions throughout 2011."

Block joined the Marketing group of Ralston Purina in 1977 as an Assistant Product Manager, and subsequently held a number of increasingly important marketing positions, including Vice President and Director of Marketing, Dog Food, from 1985 to 1992. He was named Executive Vice President, Ralston Purina Pet Products in 1993, and later, Chief Operating Officer, North American Pet Food. Block became President, North American Pet Food, for Nestle Purina PetCare in January 2002, following the acquisition of Ralston Purina Company by Nestle S.A.

In a related move, McGinnis announced that Joseph R. Sivewright, currently President, Nestle Purina PetCare-Latin America & Caribbean, will replace Block as President, North American Pet Food, upon retirement. Sivewright will work directly with Block on an appropriate transition plan in the second half of 2011.

"Joe Sivewright has a strong record of leadership and delivering results," McGinnis said. "With more than 25 years of marketing and sales experience, including leading Nestle Purina's improved performance in Latin America and the Caribbean for the past six years, Joe is well-positioned for this important assignment."

Sivewright joined the Company in 1985 as Product Manager for Purina® Cat Chow® brand cat food. He was named Business Director for Store Brand Cereals in 1990 and became Business Director of Store Brand Pet Food in 1993. He was later named Vice President and Worldwide Director of Sales and Marketing for the Pet Products International Division of Ralston Purina Company. In December 2001, after Nestle S.A. acquired Ralston Purina, Sivewright was named Vice President, PetCare Global Strategic Business Unit. He was appointed to his current position in April 2004.

Sivewright will continue to headquarter in St. Louis, and will continue to report to McGinnis.

Also today, Nestle Purina announced that Fernando Merce, currently Deputy Vice President, Zone Americas, will replace Sivewright as President, Latin America. Merce will report to McGinnis.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare