To keep up to date with the latest personnel changes across the seafood industry, SeafoodSource is compiling a regular round-up of hiring announcements and other personnel-related shifts worldwide. If you have an announcement, please send it to [email protected].
– New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.A.-based scallop and seafood producer Northern Wind announced Stuart Benton as its new CFO to lead the company’s financial strategy and global governance with partners, according to a release from the company.
Northern Wind said in the release that Benton’s new role highlights a “significant step” in global, scalable growth. In addition to leading governance and financial strategy, Benton will also be responsible for overseeing core financial functions, serving as a strategic partner to the board and CEO, and supervising operations and performance across the company. He will also aid the company’s growth strategy, mergers and acquisitions, disciplined capital allocation, and financial initiatives.
Benton joins at a critical juncture for the firm, as scallop fishing opportunities remain low in the U.S.
“Stuart joins Northern Wind at an important pivotal moment in our growth,” Northern Wind Chief Financial Officer Ken Melanson said. “As we continue to expand our global sourcing capabilities, invest in innovation, and strengthen our vertically integrated platform, his leadership will help ensure we scale with financial discipline, operational rigor and a clear focus on long-term value.”
Benton’s prior work experience includes executive leadership in consumer brands, manufacturing, and distribution organizations, the company said. Most recently, he was the CFO at global food processing and equipment group Reiser and oversaw the company’s financial operations and growth initiatives in North America and Europe.
“I am excited to join Northern Wind at such a dynamic time in its journey,” Benton said. “As an industry leader, Northern Wind is perfectly positioned for continued growth and innovation. I look forward to leveraging my experiences to contribute to its ongoing success, building on its strong foundation, and driving sustainable growth by focusing on the needs of our customers, team members, and partners.”
– Brunswick, Georgia, U.S.A.-based King & Prince Seafood announced a planned leadership transition, with current President and CEO Michael Alexander retiring after 15 years on 17 April. Steve Yung will take over both roles on 20 April.
“We are deeply grateful for Michael’s contributions to King & Prince Seafood,” Takashi Matsumoto, the president of Nissui USA, which owns King & Prince, said. “His impact on our people, our partners, and our performance has been significant. We thank him for his leadership and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
Yung’s prior work experience includes multiple CEO and director roles, as well as non-executive director roles. According to King & Prince, Yung brings extensive industry experience, a customer-focused mindset, and a shared value system to the seafood company.
“This transition reflects both stability and forward momentum,” Matsumoto said. “Steve’s leadership will build upon our strong foundation while continuing to deliver the high-quality products, reliability, and service our customers and suppliers expect.”
The company also announced Nate Ackerman as procurement manager of packaging and ingredients. Ackerman will lead sourcing strategies for packaging materials and dry ingredients. He’s previously worked at Hain Celestial, Vital Pharmaceuticals, and PAQ Holdings.
– St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada-based seafood export company Whitecap International appointed Bryan Carroll as U.S. sales manager and Steve Spicer as European sales manager.
Carroll’s prior experience includes seven years as director of sales at Kennebunkport, Maine, U.S.A.-based lobster producer Shucks Maine Lobster.
“Bryan has a great deal of experience in premium seafood sales, making him a perfect fit for our team,” Whitecap International CEO Darrell Roche said on LinkedIn. “Bryan will work closely with our existing North American sales team as we continue to grow this very important market.”
Roche added on LinkedIn that Spicer will work with existing customers in the U.K. and Europe to grow the companies’ business in European markets. He previously worked as an area sales manager at Nordic Seafood A/S for just under 2 years and spent nearly 16 years at Ocean Choice International LP at various sales department roles.
– Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.-based Wild Alaska Sole Association (WASA) announced Frank O’Hara III as its new president.
O’Hara is the current executive vice president of the O’Hara Corporation, an Alaskan flatfish and groundfish harvesting and fishing company.
O’Hara succeeds North Fishing Star Company’s Jim Johnson as president, who served since the organization’s founding in 2023.
“I’m looking forward to working with WASA and growing markets for our wild Alaska sole,” O’Hara said. “We’ve learned a lot over the last couple of years, and now it’s time to get to work getting our message to consumers, supporting our customers, and selling more fish. The early promotions gave us confidence that the story is resonating, and they showed us what’s possible when we show up consistently in front of buyers and consumers. Our partners can rest assured that our messaging, which highlights wild Alaska sole’s natural deliciousness, world-class sustainability credentials, and superior health benefits, is well-tested to drive interest and purchase.”
WASA said that the organization’s goals are to increase the awareness, appreciation, and value of wild Alaska sole in domestic and international markets. Members include Fishermen’s Finest, North Star Fishing, Ocean Peace, the O’Hara Corporation, U.S. Seafoods, and Glacier Fish Company.
The board also elected Ocean Peace’s Pat Tracey as treasurer and Cecilia Hajdorovic as secretary.