As reported in The Packer and other industry outlets, Ocean Mist Farms announced that Joe Pezzini will succeed Ed Boutonnet as president and CEO of the Castroville-based grower-shipper. The leadership transition will take place over the next year. Pezzini joined Ocean Mist in 1983, was promoted to Vice President of Operations in 2001, and became the company’s Chief Operating Officer in 2009.

Pezzini will take over the reins from Boutonnet, who joined Ocean Mist in 1970 and became president and CEO in 1990. The company became the largest grower/shipper of fresh artichokes in North America under his leadership. Boutonnet will remain as chairman of the board.

For more information, please refer to Ocean Mist’s press release announcing their leadership succession plan.