The board of directors of Protein Industries Canada has named Robert Hunter as the organization’s new CEO.
Hunter brings more than 20 years of experience in the agriculture food sector, holding positions with Maple Leaf Foods, the Canola Council of Canada, and CropLife International. Throughout his career, Hunter has been a passionate advocate for agriculture while living and working in Asia, Europe, and North America, says a PIC release.
“Robert brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are confident in his ability to lead Protein Industries Canada into our next chapter, says Tyler Groeneveld, PIC board chair. “Under Robert’s leadership we will focus on further supporting the scale-up and competitiveness of Canadian companies, anchoring Canada’s position as an agriculture and food production powerhouse.”
During his time at CropLife International, Hunter was based in Washington and Brussels where he focused on advancing innovation in agriculture and driving sustainable food systems forward. He also brings experience in market development and trade, as well as in organizational strategy, operations and global advocacy.
“As the CEO of Protein Industries Canada, I am eager to further advance Canada as a global leader of high-value ingredients and food products,” says Hunter. “As a life-long supporter of Canada’s agriculture sector, I firmly believe in Canada’s potential to lead in this area and look forward to accelerating the competitiveness of the Canadian plant protein sector.”
He replaces Frank Hart, who has been interim CEO since August, when former CEO Bill Greuel left the organization to become the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for the Government of Saskatchewan.
Protein Industries Canada is one of the federal government’s five Global Innovation Clusters. With a mandate to accelerate innovation related to ingredient manufacturing and food processing of Canada’s high-protein crops. Hunter will be based out of Toronto, Ont. The PIC head office remains in Regina, Sask., with staff located throughout Canada.
