The FFAW has wasted no time endorsing a successor for its departing president.

Keith Sullivan surprised many yesterday by announcing he’s leaving the union after 18 years—the last eight at the helm.

But by the end of the day, the FFAW’s executive board had released a statement unanimously endorsing Greg Pretty to fill his shoes.

Pretty is the union’s industrial/retail/offshore director, with membership dating back to the days of Richard Cashin.

Sullivan, meanwhile, says he doesn’t have any opportunities lined up and his decision to leave has nothing to do with his health. But he says while the stress and negativity didn’t do him in, it can be a factor.

He says 99 per cent of the people he encounters in coffee shops and grocery stores have a positive outlook, adding while the negativity can be exaggerated there’s no doubt it can make things more stressful.

As for Pretty, the FFAW board says he’s a skilled negotiator and will provide a smooth transition given his knowledge of the system.

The formal nomination period for president will open on December 15 and close on December 29, with the election set for early January.