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].
– Jyväskylä, Finland-based aquaculture technology developer and equipment supplier Paras Aqua Oy has named Sondre Høidalen as its incoming CEO.
The company said in a release that Høidalen “brings extensive international experience in the design and implementation of land-based aquaculture facilities.” Høidalen previously worked as the CEO for VAQ, Billund Aquaculture Norway, and Krüger Kaldnes, and while leading these three companies, Høidalen was in charge of the development and construction of large-scale recirculating aquaculture systems.
“Paras Aqua’s approach includes many of the elements I have been looking for in this industry for a long time,” Høidalen said in the release. “Modularity and a high degree of prefabrication bring significant efficiency and predictability to projects. I have been genuinely surprised by how quickly these facilities can be built. At the same time, water consumption is very low, even though the system does not use bioreactors; this is a remarkable combination."
According to the firm, that high level of prefabrication allows for rapid deployment, consistent quality, and cost efficiency, which allows for an alternative to traditional RAS systems by offering a more sustainable option.
“Paras Aqua has a unique opportunity to significantly advance the industry,” Høidalen said. “By combining simpler technology with industrialized manufacturing, we can scale production in a way that has not been possible before.”
– Cape May, New Jersey, U.S.A.-based seafood company Lund’s Fisheries has named Kimberly Moore as its new director of retail sales to oversee key retail initiatives like new product development, expanding the brand’s footprint in retail spaces, driving new customers in national and regional accounts, and developing innovative value-added seafood products.
"Joining Lund's Fisheries at this stage of [the company’s] journey is an incredible opportunity," Moore said in a release. "By combining a legacy of sustainability with our seamless ‘vessel-to-plate’ supply chain, we offer something truly valued in the retail landscape: premium seafood backed by an authentic, traceable story. I'm excited to help grow these partnerships and share that heritage with the market."
Moore has worked in leadership positions for two decades, including as director of sales positions at Lakeville, Massachusetts, U.S.A.-based seafood software developer Netyield; Lima, Ohio, U.S.A.-based food and beverage manufacturer 3 Fish; Portland, Maine, U.S.A.-based seafood wholesaler Bristol Seafood; and Salisbury, Maryland, U.S.A.-based Handy Seafood.
"Kim's experience and relationships in the retail sector, combined with significant technical knowledge of seafood sustainability and compliance, make her a great addition to our team," Lund’s Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Fratiello said. "As we continue to invest in retail, her leadership will be instrumental in accelerating our growth across the U.S. and internationally."
– El Segundo, California, U.S.A.-based seafood brand Chicken of the Sea has tapped Drew Watts as its new senior vice president of foodservice and wholesale, in addition to expanding its national network of foodservice brokers.
Watts has 20 years of experience across foodservice and retail industries, including in the role of vice president of sales at Direct Source Seafood for the past decade, where he was tasked with aligning sales strategies, financials, marketing, logistics, and sustainability efforts.
“I look forward to building on a strong foundation, strengthening customer relationships, and developing new partnerships across the foodservice and wholesale channels,” Watts said on LinkedIn.
Chicken of the Sea, owned by Bangkok-Thailand-based Thai Union Group, also announced an expansion in its go-to-market capabilities by expanding its national network of foodservice brokers, which will comprise 200 in-market representatives to cover all 50 U.S. states. This includes group purchasing organizations (GPOs), multi-unit operators, convenience and gas (C&G) operators, and independent unit operations.
“These investments reflect our long-term commitment to building a stronger, more responsive foodservice and wholesale business,” Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods Senior Vice President of Operations Daniel Halford said. “By investing in experienced leadership and expanding our in-market presence, we’re putting our products closer to customers, strengthening partnerships, and creating a platform for sustained growth.”
– Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A.-based FMI – The Food Industry Association has announced Kim Visioni as its new director of health and well-being.
“With consumers’ interest in health and well-being at an all-time high and grocery stores uniquely positioned to meet customers – in the aisles and online – to support their personal health goals, Kim joins the FMI team at a critical juncture,” FMI Vice President for Health and Well-Being Krystal Register said in a release. “I am thrilled for Kim to help support our vibrant community with her unique blend of retail business background, project management experience, communication skills, and nutrition expertise.”
Visoni’s career includes 15 years in finance and fashion e-commerce before moving to the nutrition sector. Most recently, she worked with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Child Nutrition Programs in its Nutrition Education and Promotion Branch, where she supported the development of school meal resources and worked on grant programs for the USDA’s Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative.
– Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.-based tinned seafood brand Fishwife has hired Ben Walker as the company’s new CFO.
Walker previously worked at New York City, New York, U.S.A.-based food company Hu as its CFO and COO. Before that, he worked at Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.-based Enjoy Life Foods as the CFO, COO, and vice president of finance. Walker also worked at New York City, New York, U.S.A.-based beverage manufacturer Beam Suntory for over a decade.
“Becca Millstein and the team have built an amazing, beautiful brand. [I’m] grateful for the trust; let's get to work and keep adding rocketfuel,” Walker said on LinkedIn. “To my Hu and Enjoy Life team – infinite gratitude for four years of learning, growing, and shaping my leadership voice. I'll always be a fan and supporter.”
