Produce Marketing Association’s Richard Owen will leave his position to become the next president and CEO of the American Peanut Council. His position with the APC is effective February 1, 2021.
Owen has been with PMA for 11 years in a variety of senior leadership positions, offering his expertise in legislative and regulatory affairs and the global agricultural community. Earlier in his career, he served as director of agricultural affairs in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and as executive vice-president of the Montana Grain Growers Association. Owen has built a strong track record of working to strengthen American agriculture and developed expertise in international marketing and development.
“The APC Executive Committee has spent the past several months collaborating with industry stakeholders to identify the key qualities needed in the next leader of the American Peanut Council. We believe we have found the best person to lead the organization into the future,” said Monty Rast, who served as the organization’s chairman for the past year.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the American Peanut Council as its next president and CEO,” said Owen. “To be able to lead an industry-wide organization of APC’s stature into the next chapter of its growth is a personal and professional opportunity. Throughout the selection process, I was impressed with the leadership’s commitment to both the organization and the broader peanut industry. I look forward to partnering with all of the industry stakeholders in this new endeavor.”
PMA legacy
“As the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Team Lead at PMA, Richard built on two decades of expertise to elevate PMA’s advocacy efforts in Washington and around the globe,” said PMA’s Max Teplitski. “Most importantly, he built sustainability into these efforts: this will ensure the work in legislative and regulatory advocacy that he led at PMA will continue to get amplified.”
“During his time at PMA, Richard has helped extend our global reach and efforts through thoughtful and strategic perspectives--particularly as they relate to trade issues impacting the produce and floral industries,” said PMA CEO Cathy Burns. “I will miss his leadership and our conversations about PMA’s worldwide focus. But I know he will be a terrific addition to the American Peanut Council as it delivers against its mission and provides value to its members.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at PMA working in a variety of positions and on a variety of issues,” said Owen. “The opportunity to apply those same skills and experiences to a new organization is a challenge I look forward to. I’m so much more prepared because of the opportunities afforded me by PMA and the global fresh produce industry.”
Patrick Archer, the APC’s long-serving president, announced his retirement in mid-2020.
A search for Owen’s replacement at the PMA will begin immediately.
For more information:
American Peanut Council
Tel: +1 (703) 838-9500
info@peanutsusa.com
https://www.peanutsusa.com/
Siobhan May
Produce Marketing Association
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5855
SMay@pma.com
www.pma.com