Aug 5, 2019

PMA’s Owen to take on leadership role in Western US, Canada

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) announced that Richard Owen will step into a new leadership role as vice president of membership and engagement focused on supporting PMA’s efforts in the western U.S. and Canada. Owen will be responsible for engaging new members in the region and helping all members take advantage of PMA’s year-round value.  In addition, he will increase his leadership role as PMA’s global trade and policy expert, providing insights on the impacts of tariffs, trade agreements and related issues on the produce industry and members.

Owen’s work will complement the work of Joe Watson, regional vice president – U.S., in serving the United States and Canada. The regional focus and local presence help achieve PMA’s mission to connect, inform and deliver industry solutions to enhance members’ prosperity.

“We’re happy to share this information this week going into our Foodservice Conference and Expo,” said PMA CEO Cathy Burns.  “This region is home to so many in our industry that we found it essential to share this news before we all come together in Monterey. It’s very important for us to continue to have strong PMA leadership focused on our members in this area and Richard will help us to connect members to our year-long value and to each other.”

Owen has been a part of PMA since 2009 when he joined as Director of Global Business Development and has served as senior leader for the past two years.  Prior to his time at PMA, Owen’s career included time as the Director of Agricultural Affairs at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative where his portfolio included Russia, Eastern Europe, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Israel. Owen was also head of the Airline Passenger Experience Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, and National Association of Wheat Growers Foundation.

“I am excited to transition into this new role of building and supporting an important market for PMA,” said Owen. “I am also looking forward to focusing more on global trade policy and how it impacts the produce industry and our members. It’s an area I’m passionate about, and I think that this will allow us to create additional value and important content for PMA and the fresh produce and floral industry.”