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].
– After just over 12 and a half years, Stephanie Rakels announced she is leaving her position as chief development officer of Utrecht, Netherlands-based sustainable aquaculture investment fund Aqua-Spark.
“When I joined, Aqua-Spark was still just an idea: a bold ambition to transform aquaculture and help build a healthier, more sustainable and more resilient food system,” Rakels said on LinkedIn. “Looking back today, it's incredible to see what that idea has grown into.”
She held the chief development officer position since September 2022; a promotion from her starting role as development and investor relations director from January 2014 to August 2022. Prior to Aqua-Spark, Rakels also worked as an investment manager for the first iteration of Aqua-Spark, A-Spark Good Ventures, and founded and directed Stichting Bewogen.
– Watertown, Massachussets, U.S.A.-based meat and seafood brand ButcherBox has hired Josephine Theal as the vice president of retail strategy.
Theal joins the ButcherBox team after working as the director of meat and seafood at Mineapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.-based retail chain Target for just over 4 years, where she "had the privilege of leading with creativity, influencing at scale, launching exclusive brand partnerships, pushing the playful boundaries for private label innovation, and driving distinction in the meat and seafood categories," according to her LinkedIn. Prior to Target, Theal worked as the Project Marketing Analyst at Buffalo, New York, U.S.A.-based Lornamead, held multiple roles at Buffalo, New York, U.S.A.-based Daymon over 7 years, and was the director of procurement category management for food at Buffalo, New York, U.S.A.-based Delaware North.
"I’m embarking on the next chapter of my journey as VP of Retail Strategy with ButcherBox, a mission-driven meat & seafood brand that aligns perfectly with my passion for industry impact. As we all know, elevating the omnichannel experience is the future of food - and this is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of retail," Theal said on LinkedIn.
In January 2026, ButcherBox launched its first major retail launch with Target to introduce 100 percent grass-fed, grass-finished beef products to Target nationwide, according to a release by ButcherBox.
– Arlington, Virginia, U.S.A.-based FMI- The Food Industry Association, announced Jennifer Hatcher as the incoming chief innovation, strategy, and membership officer and Stephanie Harris as the incoming chief public policy officer and general counsel.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to building an organization that is both a powerful advocate for the food industry and an innovative partner for our members,” FMI President and CEO Leslie Sarasinsaid in a release. “Together, Jennifer and Stephanie bring the leadership, expertise and vision needed to navigate an evolving policy landscape while driving strategic growth and delivering greater value to our membership.”
Hatcher has worked for FMI for over 25 years as a senior government relations executive, most recently expanding her role in member relations. As chief innovation, strategy, and membership officer, she will "lead the organization's long-term strategic planning and innovation initiatives," according to the release by FMI. Her role will focus on enhancing member value, strengthening engagement, and helping sustain growth.
Harris will lead the organization's public policy agenda and government affairs while continuing her work in covering legal strategy and regulatory advocacy. In her new role, she will help "advance policies that support a strong, competitive food industry while providing strategic legal counsel to the organization," FMI said.
– Portland, Maine, U.S.A.-based Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) added 7 new members to its board of directors per appointments by Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Carl Wilson.
A release by MLMC said the new board members will help with guiding strategic priorities, marketing initiatives, drive demand, and continue promotional branding of Maine lobster.
"We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of leaders to the MLMC Board of Directors," MLMC Executive Director Marianne LaCroix said in a release. "Their collective expertise and deep roots in the Maine Lobster industry will be invaluable. This board will play a critical role in driving continued demand for Maine Lobster while protecting the value of the brand."
Newly appointed members come from the waterfront, seafood supply chain, and marketing sectors. Zone C Representative Brian Billings, Zone F Vice Chair Matt Gilley, and Zone B Representative Abe Philbrook are the three new lobstermen representatives. New lobster dealer representatives are Luke's Lobster Vice President of Marketing Meaghan Dillon and Bean Maine Lobster CEO John Petersdorf. New public member representatives are Cousins Maine Lobster Supply Chain and Distribution Manager Cameron Dyment and Simmer Public Relations Owner Elizabeth Horton.
Ex officio seats for commissioners' representatives are Director of Marine Resources Communications Director Jeff Nichols and Department of Economic and Community Development for Maine International Trade Center Senior International Trade Specialist Abby Plante. At a recent meeting, lobsterman and President of Bold Coast Seafood Curt Brown was elected board chair.
"It's a privilege to step into this role at such a pivotal time for our fishery," Brown said in a release. "Maine's lobster fishery has such a unique story that resonates with customers around the country and around the world. By working together – from the harvesters to the end users – we can further elevate the Maine Lobster brand, ensuring the long-term success of our coastal communities and the resource itself."
