Bellevue, Washington, U.S.A.-based tuna firm Tri Marine has named Garavilla Group CEO Juan Corrales to take over as its chief executive officer beginning in 2020.
The Tri Marine Group, which specializes in fishing, processing and distributing tuna, was acquired in July 2019 by Bolton Group International. At the time, it was announced that longtime Tri Marine owner and CEO Renato Curto would stay on “during a transition period.”
That period will end on 1 January, 2020, when Corrales succeeds Curto as CEO. Originally from Bermeo, Spain, Corrales has been CEO of Garavilla Group, which is owned by his family, since 2004. Garavilla operates fishing, canning, and branding operations worldwide and is also owned by the Bolton Group. Corrales has also served as the chairman of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation.
“I have known Renato and the Tri Marine leadership for many years. Together with the team, I plan to build on Tri Marine’s well-earned reputation for excellence through transparency and integrity,” Corrales said in a press release
Tri Marine will maintain its own identity and will continue to operate independently within Bolton Group, according to Corrales. Corrales said he will focus on Tri Marine’s global organization; its relationship with customers, suppliers, and communities; and environmental stewardship, with an emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility.
“Tri Marine is an important supplier to many tuna brands and tuna processors around the world, including Bolton. Our suppliers and customers can expect the same high-quality service and product they have always received from Tri Marine. Our supply is 100 percent traceable and fully transparent and we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability at every step in the supply chain,” Corrales said. “Our market intelligence is second to none and sustainability and social responsibility are top priorities. We will continue to invest in our capabilities and growth opportunities to ensure we are providing our customers with tuna products they can trust.”
Bolton said that with its purchase of Tri Marine’s tuna supply chain, its factories in Ecuador and the Solomon Islands, and its fleet in Solomon Islands, it has committed to growing the company’s operations and activities worldwide. Curto said it has always been his goal to grow the company, and under Bolton’s umbrella and Corrales’ leadership, the right pieces are in place to continue to achieve that.
“Growing the incredible Tri Marine team and seeing the company evolve has been my life’s work,” Curto said. “Today, on my 75th birthday, I am honored to pass the torch to Juan. I have full confidence he will lead Tri Marine with integrity and renewed energy. Under Bolton Group’s ownership, Tri Marine will continue to build on our extensive network of sustainable supply chains to effectively serve our customers.”
