The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) issued an update on the departure of former CEO Brian Perkins, offering few details for his reason for his leaving the nonprofit organization on 31 March.
Perkins' sudden exit ended his two-year stint with the GSA. He initially served as the organization's chief operating officer, a role specifically created to transition him to his later role of CEO. Perkins ultimately took over as CEO from Wally Stevens in 2022. Stevens was named interim CEO of the organization following Perkins' departure.
According to the GSA, Perkins’ departure coincides with a “reorientation” of leadership.
“On 4 April, GSA unveiled that its executive committee, which consists of members of the board of directors, met in early March and proposed a reorientation of GSA leadership to accelerate the growth of GSA’s Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Best Seafood Practices (BSP) certification programs, as well as the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification program,” the organization wrote.
The reorientation followed up on a memorandum of understanding the Responsible Fisheries Management certification program and the GSA signed on 1 March, the organization said. According to GSA, under the MoU, the two organizations will collaborate to “promote choice in third-party assurances for seafood” while also working to reduce the cost of certifications and certification-related audits.
“This partnership will strengthen GSA’s mission of advancing responsible seafood practices while offering seafood producers more choice and the opportunity to reduce costs in the certifications they choose to pursue,” Perkins said at the time.
The GSA did not share any further details on the organization's reorientation. It said its executive committee has begun an “immediate” search for a new permanent CEO.
“We are grateful to Brian for his steadfast leadership and counsel during his two years with GSA. We wish him the best,” Stevens said. “I can assure the seafood community that GSA will continue to move forward as a voice for responsible seafood, helping build trust in our industry and our certification programs.”
