Impossible Foods hires new CEO, Tyson exec joins National Pork Board, Robinson Fresh president to retire, and more
ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS: The National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa Norman Bessac was named new vice president of international marketing, effective April 1. Bessac is currently director of international sales for Tyson Fresh Meats, a position he has held since 2016. Prior to Tyson, he served as vice president of international pork sales and marketing at Cargill Meat Solutions. Bessac has spent his entire career in international sales and marketing, business development, customer communications and consumer insights roles in the fresh meat industry. Over the years, Bessac has held many strategic leadership roles in the food industry with brands such as Tyson, Cargill and Sara Lee.
Food Northwest, Portland, Ore. Mark Fountain was appointed president, effective March 18, succeeding David McGiverin, immediate past president who stepped down to work in his family’s business. Fountain maintains 20 years’ experience in the food industry. He recently served as vice president of operations at Oregon Fruit Products LLC, began his career at Nestlé Potato (now J.R. Simplot), and worked for several other food companies, including J.R. Simplot, Welch’s and Tree Top.
The Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF), Dallas, Texas Hattie Hill announced plans to retire as president and CEO, a position she’s held since 2013. Prior to joining WFF, Hill was founder and CEO of Hattie Hill Enterprises, and has been a professional speaker and author of several corporate books. Hill remains active in several industry organizations, including Federal Reserve, Emory University Goizueta Business School, National Restaurant Association, Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce and past chair of VisitDallas. She previously served on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and the Society of International Business Fellows.