Forever Oceans has named Guy Lott as its new vice president of global sales, adding to its leadership team, as it nears its first commercial harvest.
The Gainesville, Virginia, U.S.A.-based company, which specializes in offshore warm-water aquaculture, is moving from a “proof-of-concept start-up” to a significant player in the sustainable seafood industry, it said in a press release.
Lott's seafood industry experience across sales, processing, and distribution – as well as his relationships within top multi-unit restaurant concepts, fine dining leaders, and major retailers – will accelerate Forever Oceans' go-to-market strategy, the company said.
Lott will join Forever Oceans leadership team, which also includes CEO Bill Bien, CFO Ilya Cantor, CTO Mat Goldsborough, CMO Monica San Miguel, and COO Ross Gordon. Combined, the Forever Oceans leadership team has more than 150 years of aquaculture, sustainability, foodservice, innovation, and technology experience.
Most recently, Lott served as vice president of global sales at Pacifico Aquaculture. He was “instrumental in developing a market for a new farmed species and helping to alleviate the pressure on wild stock,” Forever Oceans said.
“Lott also managed sales through the brunt of the COVID pandemic, evolving from a program highly reliant on foodservice at the start of the crisis to an even mix between food service and retail – while growing overall sales,” according to the company.
"Guy's love for sustainable aquaculture has spanned many years. He is a believer in the promise of our technology to deliver delicious protein to consumers and help address the world's food security challenges,” Forever Oceans CEO Bill Bien said.
Lott began as a chef at restaurants in Alabama, then as a corporate chef and sales executive for a variety of food brokers, including Advantage Waypoint. He later accepted positions as vice president of sales at Harvest Select Catfish and at Regal Springs Tilapia.
"I believe Forever Oceans has the best automated offshore farming technology in the aquaculture industry. Forever Oceans yellowtail is also a delicious and versatile sashimi-grade fish that is high in omega-3s and free of contamination," Lott said. "I'm happy to be a part of the leadership team as we bring production to scale with our first commercial harvest later this summer.”
Lott previously served on the National Fisheries Institute’s board of directors.
Photo courtesy of Forever Oceans
