StarKist Co. Names In-Soo Cho to Serve as New President and Chief Executive Officer

PITTSBURGH, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- StarKist Co., a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States, announced today that Mr. In-Soo Cho was named the company's new President and Chief Executive Officer.  Cho will assume his new office on March 1.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110301/NY56336 )

A seasoned and well-respected professional with more than 30 years of experience, Cho is an outstanding leader who has studied, lived and worked in four continents. He has held senior management positions in consumer packaged goods and the restaurant industry, and brings a wealth of experience related to business development and start-up operations in international markets.  

"Leading the StarKist Team is an honor, and I am looking forward to taking the business to a new level by working with the dedicated team of people in the United States as well as in other parts of the world, especially American Samoa and Ecuador," said Cho. "StarKist is one of the most recognized brands in America and is a leader in seafood business.  As a Company focused exclusively on providing the highest quality seafood to American families, we have a tremendous opportunity to build and expand our business."

Before coming to StarKist, Cho was the principal of his own consulting firm, Insight & Strategy Co., with a focus on consumer goods and the restaurant industry.  In addition, he was an investor, advisor and director of several companies and private equities.  Prior to that, Cho worked for Yum Restaurants International (YRI) from 1997-2008, where he held a number of positions including President, Pizza Hut Korea; Chairman, KFC Japan Board of Directors in Tokyo; Board Member, Pizza Hut UK in London and Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Vice President, YRI in Dallas.  

Cho also worked for Procter & Gamble from 1984-1997, where he began his brand management career and worked in its operations in Switzerland, the United States, Korea and Japan.  

Before coming to the United States, Cho obtained his college degree and worked in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Born and raised in Korea, Cho received his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is fluent in Korean, English and Portuguese.  He will reside in Pittsburgh, Pa., where StarKist Co. is headquartered.  

About StarKist

StarKist Co. is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States.  A category leader in innovation, StarKist was the first brand to introduce the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch®; StarKist Tuna Creations®, a line of lightly marinated tuna; and, a dolphin-safe policy. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a 65-year tradition of quality, innovation and consumer trust and is well known for its charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, who swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. For more information on the Company, visit starkist.com. StarKist Co. is a subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.

SOURCE StarKist Co.