East Coast Seafood CEO Chris Maze leaves company; Brad Hudson named interim head

Topsfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A.-based East Coast Seafood Group has announced that chief executive officer Chris Maze has left the company.

Maze has been named the head of Pescanova USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Spanish seafood conglomerate Pescanova, according to Europa Press.

Brad Hudson, a principal of Forum Capital, which is a primary investor in East Coast Seafood Group, has been tapped to serve as the company’s interim CEO following Maze’s departure.

“Hudson will continue to lead the company’s strategic plan that will further develop and strengthen the company,” East Coast said in a press release.

East Coast Seafood Group distributes North American lobster, scallops and fish through subsidiaries including Seatrade International, East Coast Seafood, Garbo Lobster, Paturel International Company and Worldwide Perishables Enterprises. The company had sales of USD 403 million (EUR 355 million) in 2015, the last year the company reported its sales to SeafoodSource’s Top 25 North American Seafood Suppliers list. That year, it ranked as thirteenth on the list.

“East Coast Seafood is grateful for what Chris contributed during his time at the company by continuing the company’s growth and developing new areas of value-added seafood product lines,” Hudson said. “The company has a strong foundation for future growth, including its continued commitment to the company’s legacy products as well as the investment in new value-added products. East Coast Seafood remains a strong supplier and partner in the seafood industry.”

Maze was hired to East Coast’s CEO position in April 2017, following the retirement of then-CEO Michael Touristas. In previous roles, he served as president and CEO at Campofrio Food Group – America and vice president of finance and COO at Fiorucci Foods.

“East Coast Seafood Group is committed to assembling a management team that positions the company for future growth. Further announcements may be released in the upcoming weeks,” the company said. “As a global leader in the seafood industry, East Coast Seafood Group looks forward to its future in its continued service of providing high quality seafood products to customers worldwide.”