Robert J. Lawless, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of McCormick & Company. Inc. announced today that he will retire from the CEO role effective January 1. He will remain Chairman of McCormick’s board. The Maryland Chamber inducted Lawless into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame in 2004. He was recognized for his outstanding leadership and commitment to community service.

Alan D. Wilson, McCormick’s President, will become CEO of the Company. Wilson joined the Company in 1993 and was named President and Chief Operating Officer in December 2006.

“Bob Lawless has been a great leader for this Company, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps,” commented Mr. Wilson. “McCormick is well-positioned for global growth with a strong, experienced management team. I am looking forward to working with our Board of Directors, the leadership team and all of our employees to take us to the next level.”

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