Dennis Mussell Retires As CEO Of Chicken Of The Seaff

Bringing nearly 30 years’ food industry experience with him, including leadership positions at Ruiz Food Products, Anheuser-Bush and Nestle, John Signorino begins his newest role as president and CEO of Chicken of the Sea International, the company announced in a statement. John Signorino will replace CEO Dennis Mussell, who is retiring after 18 years at Chicken of the Sea and 35 years in the industry.

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 in Samoa, at the company headquarters in San Diego, Calif.

Thai Union Frozen Products is the parent company of Thai Union International of which Chicken of the Sea is a subsidiary, which owns COS Samoa Packing. “We are both pleased and excited that John is joining the Chicken of the Sea team,” said Chansiri. “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.”

Under Mussell’s leadership, Chicken of the Sea positioned itself 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. “The stewardship by Dennis brought Chicken of the Sea to new heights and paved the way to further position the company as the 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 duties he will perform at Chicken of the Sea. Prior to joining Chicken of the Sea, he helped lead Ruiz to category leadership with the company's expansive line of Mexican food products under the “El Monterey” brand.

Chicken of the Sea provides a variety of shelf-stable seafood products, including tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, mackerel and sardines.