To keep up to date with the latest personnel changes across the seafood industry, SeafoodSource is compiling a regular round-up of hiring announcements and other personnel-related shifts worldwide. If you have an announcement, please send it to [email protected].
– Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.-based data and analytics platform Nammu has announced Derek Figueroa as its new strategic advisor.
Figueroa is the former president and CEO of Seattle Fish Company and the former chair of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI). He has 34 years of experience in the seafood industry across finance, operations, and executive leadership roles.
“Seafood has given me so much over 34 years: a community, meaningful work, and a sense of purpose in providing responsible and essential nutrition,” Figueroa said. “But, it’s also hard work, and the industry is under real pressure given tariffs, inflation, labor costs, regulation, and consumers who can’t absorb more. Operators have already driven out most of the excess cost. The opportunity that remains is reducing waste and inefficiency in the middle, making seafood more accessible and affordable while improving the customer experience.”
Figueroa led Seattle Fish Company through its 2021 sale to the Founders Group of Food Companies. He also co-founded the nonprofit SeaPact and served as chair of the Colorado Restaurant Foundation. Currently, he works as the principal of advisory practice for food and beverage company North Star Strategic.
“We’ve put a lot of effort into building Nammu the right way in seafood,” Nammu CEO Bert Vandereydt said. “We only work with seafood companies, and we care a lot about being a trusted partner in the industry. Derek brings a deep understanding of the business and strong relationships across the space, and we’re excited to have him with us as we keep building.”
– Portsmouth, New Hampshire, U.S.A.-based nonprofit organization Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) announced that MarinTrust Executive Chair Libby Woodhatch and Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) Executive Director Jeremy Woodrow have joined its board of directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Libby and Jeremy to the GSA Board of Directors,” GSA CEO Mike Kocsis said. “Both bring deep expertise and leadership across critical areas of the seafood value chain – from responsible sourcing and certification to global marketing and market development.”
Woodhatch has more than two decades of experience in the seafood supply chain and standards development, GSA said in a release. She’s worked in certification programs for marine ingredients and held leadership roles for responsible fishing and seafood ethics at both Seafish and Seafood Scotland.
“I’m genuinely delighted to join the GSA Board of Directors,” Woodhatch said. “MarinTrust and GSA already share a strong partnership through our longstanding MoU, which reflects our shared commitment to responsible seafood. Through my work with MarinTrust, I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration and credible assurance programs can drive meaningful progress across our industry. Stepping into this role with GSA further strengthens that cooperation, and I look forward to working alongside such dedicated colleagues to advance responsible practices across the global seafood sector.”
Woodrow currently leads global marketing promoting the value and sustainability of Alaskan seafood at ASMI, where he’s worked since 2017. The organization is crucial for strengthening messaging around Alaskan seafood and supporting coastal communities.
“It’s an honor to join the incredibly experienced and diverse GSA Board of Directors,” Woodrow said. “I look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to further GSA’s mission and expand consumer confidence in responsibly sourced seafood.”
– Tasmania, Australia-based aquafeed producer BioMar Australia announced Matt Whittle as its new commercial director, starting August 2026.
Whittle's career includes "extensive aquaculture experience, with a strong understanding of farm level production, customer engagement, and the commercial dynamics" of Australia's aquaculture industry, the company said in a release.
"Matt brings a combination of commercial capability and hands-on aquaculture experience," BioMar Australia Managing Director David Whyte said. "His understanding of farming systems, alongside his Tasmanian background, positions him well to lead our commercial team and continue building close partnerships with producers."
Whittle replaces current Commercial Director Mike Thomson, who will shift to the newly created role of service delivery director in September. There, Thomson will focus on service execution and customer experience, working with both farms and supply logistics.
"Mike has played an important role in the development of BioMar Australia’s commercial approach,” Whyte said. “The creation of this role allows us to sharpen our focus on delivery and execution while maintaining strong, long-term customer relationships.”
