Smithfield Foods announced it has appointed Shane Smith, a two-decade veteran of the company and, most recently, its chief strategy officer, as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Mr. Smith will succeed Dennis Organ, who is stepping down for personal reasons.

Eriez has promoted Gareth Meese to Regional Sales Director-EMEA. Meese, who formerly served as Eriez-Europe Sales Director, will now direct, align and support Eriez’ strategic sales efforts over a wider geography, including Europe, the Middle East, India and Northern Africa.

Starfrost has hired Liz Harris as Aftercare Manager, a role focused on business development and customer support for Starfrost's clients across the worldwide food processing industry.

Raley’s announced the promotion of two key leaders within the organization: Craig Benson has been named Senior Vice President, Head of Technology, and Levi Wingo's is now the company's Vice President of Operations.

Sabra announced that Joey Bergstein will join the company as President and Chief Executive Officer on July 8th. Bergstein, who most recently served as CEO of Seventh Generation, is a purpose-driven, innovative, sustainable growth leader charged with furthering the Sabra vision as a leading plant-based food brand. Sabra continues to expand its range of fresh hummus, guacamole and plant-based dips and spreads to satisfy the tastes of increasingly healthy and environmentally-conscious people.

Jim Motos, Senior Vice President of the Consumer Brands Division of Rich Products Corporation, released the following statement on the untimely passing of Ray Jones, a 30-year veteran of Rich’s and longtime seafood industry leader.

Gold Coast Packing has promoted two employees and added one member to its team. The business has always been family owned and operated since its inception in 1978 by long-time friends Ron Burk and Bob Espinola. And it will continue that way as Burk’s son Gary has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Prior to the promotion, Gary was Gold Coast’s general manager. He had held that position since 2019. Gary will now oversee all daily operating duties at Gold Coast Packing and the company’s processing facility, Fresh Venture Foods.

Alpha Foods has hired their first Chief Marketing Officer--former lululemon VP of Global Brand Management, Kierstin De West. Prior to her leadership at lululemon, De West founded her own marketing agency in 2003. During her fifteen years as a CEO, she helped guide clients such as Hershey, The North Face, MillerCoors, the Rainforest Alliance and more through the continued cultural shift towards sustainability, purpose and impact.

Colmac Coil announces that Bruce I. Nelson, P.E., the firm’s past president and current Director of Innovation, will retire effective July 4th, 2021. Following a 40-year career of service and leadership at Colmac Coil, Nelson will continue his work through his newly formed consulting company, Bruce V. Nelson Engineering, LLC.

GoodPop Frozen Pops has hired Rahul Shah as president and chief operating officer. In this newly created role, Shah will oversee all departments, including daily operations of the business, as the brand tracks to double its business in 2022. He brings extensive experience in corporate strategy, breakthrough digital marketing and operational transformation. As part of the executive leadership team, Shah will work alongside GoodPop founder and CEO, Daniel Goetz.