Eric Schwartz joins SK Foods
Eric Schwartz joins SK Foods
Eric Schwartz has joined Monterey, CA-based SK Foods as vice president of corporate strategic planning for the international tomato and vegetable processing firm.
In addition, Mr. Schwartz will oversee the business operations of Salyer American Fresh Foods and SK Frozen Foods. SK Foods is an international processor of tomato and vegetable products -- organic and conventional -- for re-manufacturers and foodservice marketers.
The broad role suits Mr. Schwartz, 49, who most recently was president of Dole Fresh Vegetables in nearby Salinas, CA, a division of Dole Food Co. Inc. He resigned from Dole March 3 after 10 years, but he stayed through March. His stated goal at the time was to take perhaps six months off to ponder his next career move.
But the anticipated six-month time frame compressed into just two weeks before he committed to working for SK Foods. Though taking the position at SK Foods interrupted his six-month vacation, the timing was right, he said.
"It's a great opportunity," Mr. Schwartz said, adding that it offers him a chance to best use his extensive experience working in frozen foods, baking and prepared foods. Mr. Schwartz has more than 25 years of experience in the agriculture and food industries in the areas of fresh and frozen foods operations, business planning, marketing, capital investment planning, financial planning and forecasting.
SK Foods is an industry leader in the processed tomato side.
"[SK Foods is] a great brand name and well established," Mr. Schwartz said. He also said that since Salyer American is a competitor of Dole Fresh Vegetables, he was familiar with its "good products and great brand name."
SK Foods Group President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Salyer said of Mr. Schwartz's hiring that the company welcomes the "wealth of experience and expertise that Eric can bring to the SK Foods organization, including support as we seek opportunities for global expansion."
While at Dole, Mr. Schwartz helped grow North American sales to more than $1 billion in conventional and organic markets from $700 million. He has held numerous industry board positions at SABA Trading, California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Salinas Valley Lettuce Cooperative and the International Fresh-Cut Produce Association.
Federal Bureau if Investigation and Internal Revenue Service agents executed a search warrant under a sealed affidavit on the Monterey offices of SK Foods on April 16. SK Foods offices in the California towns of Williams and Lemoore apparently were searched and reports said that FBI agents confirmed a private residence also was searched.
Mr. Schwartz said that he knows little of the circumstances of the raid but that it has no bearing on his role and that he is happy with his choice to join SK Foods.
Mr. Salyer also announced that food industry executive Michael Hoversen has joined SK Foods as chief financial officer. Both he and Mr. Schwartz will report to Mr. Salyer at the firm's Monterey offices.
Also, Stefanie Salyer has been named corporate recruitment manager, a new position for the company. Since 2006, Ms. Salyer has served as director and trustee on the SK Foods' board of directors, where she has actively participated in the company's strategic planning process. Ms. Salyer represents the fourth generation of the Salyer family to join the firm, which was founded by her great-grandfather Clarence Salyer.
In addition, Mr. Schwartz will oversee the business operations of Salyer American Fresh Foods and SK Frozen Foods. SK Foods is an international processor of tomato and vegetable products -- organic and conventional -- for re-manufacturers and foodservice marketers.
The broad role suits Mr. Schwartz, 49, who most recently was president of Dole Fresh Vegetables in nearby Salinas, CA, a division of Dole Food Co. Inc. He resigned from Dole March 3 after 10 years, but he stayed through March. His stated goal at the time was to take perhaps six months off to ponder his next career move.
But the anticipated six-month time frame compressed into just two weeks before he committed to working for SK Foods. Though taking the position at SK Foods interrupted his six-month vacation, the timing was right, he said.
"It's a great opportunity," Mr. Schwartz said, adding that it offers him a chance to best use his extensive experience working in frozen foods, baking and prepared foods. Mr. Schwartz has more than 25 years of experience in the agriculture and food industries in the areas of fresh and frozen foods operations, business planning, marketing, capital investment planning, financial planning and forecasting.
SK Foods is an industry leader in the processed tomato side.
"[SK Foods is] a great brand name and well established," Mr. Schwartz said. He also said that since Salyer American is a competitor of Dole Fresh Vegetables, he was familiar with its "good products and great brand name."
SK Foods Group President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Salyer said of Mr. Schwartz's hiring that the company welcomes the "wealth of experience and expertise that Eric can bring to the SK Foods organization, including support as we seek opportunities for global expansion."
While at Dole, Mr. Schwartz helped grow North American sales to more than $1 billion in conventional and organic markets from $700 million. He has held numerous industry board positions at SABA Trading, California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, Salinas Valley Lettuce Cooperative and the International Fresh-Cut Produce Association.
Federal Bureau if Investigation and Internal Revenue Service agents executed a search warrant under a sealed affidavit on the Monterey offices of SK Foods on April 16. SK Foods offices in the California towns of Williams and Lemoore apparently were searched and reports said that FBI agents confirmed a private residence also was searched.
Mr. Schwartz said that he knows little of the circumstances of the raid but that it has no bearing on his role and that he is happy with his choice to join SK Foods.
Mr. Salyer also announced that food industry executive Michael Hoversen has joined SK Foods as chief financial officer. Both he and Mr. Schwartz will report to Mr. Salyer at the firm's Monterey offices.
Also, Stefanie Salyer has been named corporate recruitment manager, a new position for the company. Since 2006, Ms. Salyer has served as director and trustee on the SK Foods' board of directors, where she has actively participated in the company's strategic planning process. Ms. Salyer represents the fourth generation of the Salyer family to join the firm, which was founded by her great-grandfather Clarence Salyer.
