Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified suppliers to the foodservice and retail industries, is pleased to announce the promotion of Campbell Cooper into an elevated executive officer role as GSF corporate vice president and president, International Business Group. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Campbell will continue to plan, direct, and coordinate the company’s international operations in Asia, Australia, Egypt, and New Zealand.
The Massman Companies, a leading manufacturer of industrial packaging machinery, has promoted Mark Suchy to the new position of Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Mr. Suchy will be responsible for the sales and marketing efforts of all of The Massman Companies, which consists of Massman Automation Designs, EDL Packaging, Ideal-Pak Pase Group, and DTM Packaging and Custom Automation.
C.H. Guenther & Son (“CHG”), a leading producer of branded and private-label food products, today announced that John D. Buckles has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 29, 2021. Mr. Buckles, a seasoned commercial and operations executive with a track record of growing food and beverage companies, succeeds Dale W. Tremblay, CHG’s CEO since 2001. Mr. Tremblay will continue an active role as Chairman of CHG’s Board of Directors and will work closely with Mr. Buckles during a transition period.
Kari-Out Company, a manufacturer, importer and nationwide distributor of sauces, paper, aluminum and plastic products in the restaurant takeout industry announced a series of important hiring moves that will significantly contribute to Kari-Out’s strategic efforts to accelerate growth through product innovation, strong supplier relations, and talented leadership.
NCC Automated Systems announced Tom Luft has joined the company as Director of Sales and Applications Engineering. Luft will lead and align the team according to sales strategies, grow existing customer relationships and support new opportunities. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the conveyor industry and will report to John French, Director of Systems Engineering, NCC Automated Systems.
Verde Farms, a pioneer and leading U.S. provider of 100% grass-fed, 100% pasture-raised, organic beef for retail, club, and foodservice, has nearly tripled its workforce in the last 18 months. Following minority investment from Manna Tree Partners, completion of its Series A, and its highest annual sales increase to date (31%), Verde is intensifying its focus on team growth, including the addition of corporate leaders across the organization with deep meat and CPG experience.
FiveStar Gourmet Foods, Makers of Simply Fresh, is bringing aboard proven produce industry leader Michael Solomon as president, effective immediately. Reporting to CEO Tal Shoshan, Solomon will oversee all day-to-day operations out of the company’s Ontario, California, headquarters. Shoshan will continue to oversee the company’s innovation and strategic growth.
Hormel Foods announced the appointment of Jacinth Smiley as group vice president of corporate strategy. Smiley will report to Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods.
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) announced today the addition of Elissa McLerran Gilliam as Senior Director of Public Policy. AFFI advocates on behalf of the $65.1 billion frozen food industry before legislative and regulatory entities, elevates the attributes of frozen foods and drives solutions for innovation by providing opportunities for industry leaders to convene.