Bringing nearly 30 years' food industry experience with him, including leadership positions at Ruiz Food Products, Anheuser-Bush and Nestle, John Signorino has begun his newest role -- president and CEO of Chicken of the Sea International.

Thiraphong Chansiri, president of Thai Union Frozen Products, introduced Signorino, who most recently was president and CEO at Ruiz Foods, to Chicken of the Sea employees. Thai Union Frozen Products is the parent company of Thai Union International, of which Chicken of the Sea is a subsidiary.

"We are both pleased and excited that John is joining the Chicken of the Sea team," Chansiri said. "His industry experience and leadership adds to the wealth of knowledge and expertise we have here at Chicken of the Sea, and he will help us further build on the momentum and excitement we've enjoyed with our aggressive brand strategy that focuses on merging innovation and quality products to meet consumers' desires."

Signorino replaces Dennis Mussell, who is retiring after 18 years at Chicken of the Sea and 35 years in the industry. Under his leadership, Mussell positioned Chicken of the Sea as a seafood category leader with a comprehensive brand line of shelf-stable seafood products, including tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, mackerel and sardines. Additionally, he led the direction and introduction of several products, such as Pacific Smoked Salmon in a ready-to-eat pouch in partnership with the state of Alaska, pouches that include crab, oysters, shrimp and other shellfish and, most notably, last year's introduction of a chunkier chunk light.

"The stewardship by Dennis brought Chicken of the Sea to new heights and paved the way to further position the company as an industry leader," said Chansiri. "We wish Dennis well in his retirement and thank him sincerely for the years of passion he gave to Chicken of the Sea."

At Ruiz Food Products, Signorino was responsible for the business operations, sales and profit goals, and new product innovation -- similar to duties he has assumed at Chicken of the Sea. Prior to joining Chicken of the Sea, he helped lead Ruiz' line of Mexican food products under the "El Monterey" brand.