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.
After a career spanning forty-three years, John Wellenzohn, senior vice president, In-Store Bakery & Deli Direct Chains Division, has announced his retirement from Rich Products.
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.
Fresh prepared food manufacturer Bakkavor has appointed industry veteran Peter Laport as president and CEO of Bakkavor USA. Joining the Charlotte, N.C.-based North American headquarters in late 2020, Peter brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position from previous roles in fresh food operations.
Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan was just appointed Vice President of the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA). During a week celebrating Ports Day 2021, which highlights the significant contributions California ports made to assist the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wan fills the key leadership role effective immediately. The role was left vacant following the passing of Port of Richmond Executive Director Jim Matzorkis in December.
Hormel announced the appointments of Jeff Frank to vice president of Grocery Products, leading the strategic integration of the Planters and Corn Nuts brands into Hormel Foods. The Planters and Corn Nuts acquisition was announced on February 11, and is expected to be completed by the summer. Frank currently serves as vice president of marketing for the Foodservice business within Hormel Foods. Additionally, Annemarie Vaupel, currently director of marketing for the Foodservice division, will advance to vice president of marketing for the Foodservice division.
Lam had been the acting CFO for the past 10 months.
February 22, 2021
Julie Lam, a key architect of the Port of Oakland’s COVID-19 response has been officially named the agency’s Chief Financial Officer. Lam had been the acting CFO for the past 10 months. Lam will be responsible for financial management, budgeting and accounting in her new role. She’ll also oversee human resources, risk management, purchasing and enterprise resource planning.
