The new head of McCormick has plenty of spice experience.
According to a company announcement, Lawrence E. Kurzius has been tapped for the Sparks-based company’s top job. He’ll start in February. Kurzius was the head of Zatarain’s until McCormick bought the New Orleans company in 2003. He also has previous experience with Quaker Oats and Uncle Ben’s.
Kurzius will replace outgoing Alan Wilson, who has been CEO of the Old Bay maker since 2007. Wilson will remain as president of McCormick’s board, where Kurzius will also have a chair. Prior to his promotion, Kurzius was the company’s President and COO.
The top job at the spice makers is one of the most prominent jobs in Baltimore. According to the Baltimore Business Journal, Wilson was the third-highest-paid executive in the area last year with total earnings of $10.26 million. Wilson was McCormick posts sales of $4.2 billion globally, and keeps adding to its portfolio. This year, the company moved into sauces when it acquired BBQ specialists Stubb’s for $100 million.
