Ocean Mist names Joe Pezzini incoming president and CEO
Ocean Mist names Joe Pezzini incoming president and CEO
Ocean Mist Farms has named Joe Pezzini as the successor to Ed Boutonnet, the company's current president and chief executive officer. The transition in leadership will occur over the next 12 months.
Pezzini joined Ocean Mist Farms in June of 1983. In 2001 he was promoted to vice president of operations, where he was responsible for cooling operations, food safety, research and development, quality assurance, human resources and strategic planning. In addition to these responsibilities, Pezzini accepted the position of chief operating officer in February 2009.
Joe Pezzini
“After a careful process, we are delighted to select Joe as our new president and CEO,” Boutonnet said in a press release. “His wide range of expertise and skills, including his previous experience with Ocean Mist Farms, will serve him extremely well in his new position.”
“I’m honored by the confidence expressed in me by the Ocean Mist Farms board," Pezzini said in the release. "I will work hard as we embark upon the next chapter in the company’s history. Working with the talented professionals on the board, the senior management team and our dedicated employees, I anticipate an exciting and successful future.”
Boutonnet joined Ocean Mist Farms in 1970 and became president and CEO in 1990. Under his leadership the company became one of the larger grower-shippers of fresh artichokes in North America. Boutonnet will remain as chairman of the board and will participate in special assignments, projects and other operations of the corporation.
“I've been privileged to lead one of the greatest produce companies in the country," Boutonnet said in the release. "After almost five decades with the company and 25 years as CEO, it's time to transfer Ocean Mist Farms’ helm to a new generation of leadership. While I will continue a very active role at the company, I enthusiastically welcome Joe as our new leader. I am confident in his abilities and excited for the future of Ocean Mist Farms. I look forward to working with Joe and the board during the transition period, and to being an advisor to management in the years ahead."
"Ed is a very strong, dedicated and honest leader who encouraged our employees to look ahead to the future," Hugo Tottino, owner and partner of Ocean Mist Farms, said in the release. "He was instrumental in working with management to position our company for long-term success. We are grateful for his innumerable contributions to the company and we thank him for his distinguished tenure as president and CEO over the last 25 years."
