Ken Barbet to Guide Transformation of NSLC

Ken Barbet has been appointed president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). The announcement was made today, Sept. 3, by Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the administration of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.

Mr. Barbet, has been acting president of the NSLC since September 2003. His appointment takes effect immediately and follows a search conducted earlier this summer.

"We are pleased that Mr. Barbet, who has done an exceptional job as acting president, has agreed to become the permanent president of the NSLC," stated Mr. Fage. "Ken has delivered strong financial results for the NSLC as acting president while developing and implementing a major transformation of the NSLC to a modern retail business."

During his time leading the NSLC, Mr. Barbet began a major transformation, changing every aspect of the organization from a distributor of beverage alcohol to a modern retail business. This has included the creation of a management team with private sector experience; a revitalization of the NSLC's store network; creation of an NSLC "shopping experience"; a new brand identity for the organization, and; increased operational transparency. The changes have resulted in substantially improved financial performance as demonstrated in the NSLC's year-end results for 2003-04.

"When we changed the NSLC into a Crown corporation in 2002, the type of change Mr. Barbet has implemented is exactly the direction that our government sought," said Mr. Fage. "By transforming the NSLC into a retail business, Nova Scotians receive better service and increased financial returns."

Prior to assuming his responsibilities as acting president, Mr. Barbet served as the vice-president, operations and development. He was responsible for running the NSLC's 100-store retail network.

Mr. Barbet brings to the NSLC more then 20 years of private sector experience in the retail industry. He held senior operating and sales roles with a major pharmacy chain based in Ontario, as well as serving as a general manager in a large regional grocery retailer in Alberta.

"The board of directors of the NSLC is delighted with Mr. Barbet's appointment," said Peter McCreath, chair of the NSLC board. "Mr. Barbet's retail knowledge is the driving force behind the organization's new retail focus and we are confident that his continuing leadership will enhance the future of the NSLC as well as the return to our customers in service and Nova Scotians as shareholders."

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation provides world class selection and service of beverage alcohol through the operation of 103 retail and seven agency stores throughout the province. By providing superior customer convenience and service, the NSLC returns substantial revenue to the provincial government while ensuring the responsible enjoyment of beverage alcohol in Nova Scotia.