Bucksport, Maine, U.S.A.-based Atlantic salmon farmer Whole Oceans has chosen Jason Mitchell to be its new chief operating officer, the company announced on 22 May.
Whole Oceans, which runs a state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) out of a former Verso paper mill, noted Mitchell’s 15-plus years of experience in shipbuilding operations and general business management as key factors that contributed to his hiring.
Mitchell’s career has seen him serve as a leader in both operations and manufacturing for companies such as General Dynamics and Bath Iron Works, where he recently worked as the director of ground assembly. He was also the founder and co-owner of San Diego, California, U.S.A.-based Helms Brewing Company, which he sold in 2017.
Currently, Mitchell co-owns Yarmouth, Maine’s Delany Arts with his wife, Amanda, and is on the executive board of One Summit, a nonprofit organization that supports children battling cancer through a unique mentoring program with U.S. Navy Seals. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, and a Master of Science in Business and Operations Management from San Diego State University.
Mitchell’s career specialties include production leadership, operations management, and strategic planning, Whole Oceans said.
Whole Oceans announced in February 2018 its intentions to build a RAS salmon farm in Maine. Rob Piasio, the company’s founder and chief executive officer, told SeafoodSource in April that he hopes to eventually capture 10 percent of the domestic salmon market in the United States with the Whole Oceans facility. He also dreams of the venture turning his home state of Maine into a global hub for RAS technology.
SeafoodSource Premium Members can find a full transcript of Piaso’s interview here: https://www.seafoodsource.com/global-bulletin/q-a-with-whole-oceans-ceo-rob-piasio
