Saputo Inc. (TSX: SAP) announced the appointment of Linda Mantia to its board of directors as an independent director, according to a company statement.

Mantia currently serves on the boards of Maple Leaf Foods and Liberty Mutual Corporation. She previously held board positions at McKesson Corporation and Dayforce Inc.

From 2016 to 2019, Mantia served as Chief Operating Officer of Manulife Financial Corporation, where she led global operations and oversaw digital, advanced analytics, and automation initiatives. She previously held senior leadership roles at Royal Bank of Canada and worked as a consultant with McKinsey & Company.

Mantia holds a law degree from Queen's University and has been recognized twice as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women's Executive Network.

"Linda brings extensive experience in operations, technology, and enterprise transformation across global organizations, along with considerable governance experience," said Lino A. Saputo, Executive Chair of the Board. "We are pleased to welcome her to our Board and value the perspective she will bring as Saputo continues to advance its strategic priorities."

Mantia will serve on the company's Audit Committee.

Saputo operates as one of the top ten dairy processors globally, producing cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products, and dairy ingredients. The company maintains leading market positions in Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.