Executive Appointment Roundup: New Chief Executive Officers at Mast-Jägermeister US, Sodexo, SupHerb Farms, and National Restaurant Association 

GLOBAL – Mast-Jägermeister leads this week’s executive appointment roundup having appointed a new Chief Executive Officer for its US business unit. 

Others in the round-up include French foodservice firm Sodexo, ingredient supplier SupHerb Farms, and The National Restaurant Association. 

Joe Fortune succeeds Jeff Popkin at Mast-Jägermeister US 

German liquor company Mast-Jägermeister has appointed Joe Fortune to lead its US business as Chief Executive Officer effective April 1. 

Fortune succeeds Jeff Popkin, who has led the business for six years and was instrumental in securing its partnership with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his tequila brand, Teremana Tequila.  

Fortune joined Mast-Jägermeister US in 2016 as its chief financial officer and most recently served as chief commercial officer.  

He is said to have “well-rounded experience and powerful command of the spirits business”. 

Former Sensient executive Michael Finete to head SupHerb Farms  

Supplier of fresh flavor solutions SupHerb Farms has tapped former Sensient Natural Ingredients executive Mr. Michael Freitas Finete to serve as its president and chief executive officer 

Prior to joining the company, he was general manager of California-based food ingredinets supplir Sensient Natural Ingredients LLC. 

“Michael is a leader in brand development, international food marketing, multi-channel sales, business management and planning,” said Charles Darbonne, co-owner of SupHerb Farms.  

“But most of all, Michael is a great leader who will guide SupHerb Farms in sustainable agriculture as well as product category growth. We know he will help SupHerb develop customized fresh flavor solutions for our partners.” 

Founded in 1992, SupHerb is a supplier of individually quick-frozen herbs, specialty vegetables, purees and culinary pastes and blends for food manufacturers and foodservice operators. 

Sodexo appoints Sophie Bellon as CEO 

French foodservice firm Sodexo has confirmed long-serving execitive Sophie Bellon as the company’s CEO.

 Sophie Bellon who is the firm’s President has been holding the CEO role on an interim basis since 1 October 2021. 

Bellon first joined Sodexo in 1994 and has held various leadership roles within the company, including CEO of the corporate services business unit for Sodexo France. 

According to Sodexo’s board of directors, Bellon’s “in-depth knowledge of the activities of the group” was considered to be a major asset. 

Bellon said: “I will continue to rely on the skills and diversity of the members of the board, as well as the commitment and expertise of the executive committee and our teams to accelerate Sodexo’s transformation and strengthen its competitiveness.” 

Headquartered in Paris, Sodexo offers end-to-end services to businesses and the public sector, including food services and catering, vending machines, micro markets and more. 

U.S National Restaurant Association names new CEO  

The National Restaurant Association has names expertise of seasoned trade association executive Michelle L. Korsmo as its new president and chief executive officer, effective May 1. 

Korsmo succeeds Marvin Irby who has been serving as interim CEO since the resignation of Tom Bené in August 2021. 

She will also serve as CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, according to a statement from the association.  

She brings to role extensive experience in public policy having served in various trade associations. 

Most recently she has been president and CEO of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America since 2018.  Earlier, she was CEO of the American Land Title Association after being promoted from chief operating officer.  

Additionally, Ms. Korsmo has worked as executive vice president at Americans for Prosperity Foundation and served in the 2001-2004 Bush administration as deputy chief of staff to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. 

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