PMA’s Richard Owen leaving to take new industry position

Produce Marketing Association’s Richard Owen will be leaving his position to become the next president & CEO of the American Peanut Council. Owen has been with PMA for 11 years in a variety of senior leadership positions, offering his expertise in legislative and regulatory affairs and the global agricultural community.

His new role will combine his skills and experience to provide leadership, support and direction to the national peanut industry.

“As the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Team Lead at PMA, Richard built on two decades of expertise to elevate PMA’s advocacy efforts in Washington and around the globe,” said PMA’s Max Teplitski. “Most importantly, he built in sustainability into these efforts: this will ensure that the great work in legislative and regulatory advocacy that he led at PMA will continue to get amplified and PMA’s voice on behalf of our members and the entire industry will continue to resonate in Washington and in capitols around the world.”

Richard Owen’s impact on PMA and its members will be long lasting. In all his roles across the organization, he has been dedicated to sharing the value of PMA to its members, expanding PMA’s global influence, and advocating on behalf of the produce and floral supply chains in key policy arenas like trade and labor.  His influence is felt beyond the immediate PMA community as well, as he was also a member of the 2020 cohort of The Packer 25. The list is generated by trade publication, The Packer, and recognizes 25 top leaders in the produce industry each year.

“During his time at PMA, Richard has helped extend our global reach and efforts through thoughtful and strategic perspectives – particularly as they relate to trade issues impacting the produce and floral industries,” said PMA CEO Cathy Burns. “I will miss his leadership and our conversations about PMA’s worldwide focus, but I know he will be a terrific addition to the American Peanut Council as it delivers against its mission and provides value to its members.”

In his new position, Owen will be a critical leader in the work to support the peanut industry. The APC works closely with the National Peanut Board, U.S. Peanut Federation, the Peanut Institute and state grower and segment organizations.  This work will bring together efforts that span policy and regulatory efforts, nutritional research, domestic marketing and more.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at PMA working in a variety of positions and on a variety of issues,” said Owen. “The opportunity to apply those same skills and experiences to a new organization is a challenge I look forward to. I’m so much more prepared because of the opportunities afforded me by PMA and the global fresh produce industry.”

Owen’s last day with PMA will be Jan. 31, 2021 and he will begin his new role with APC on February 1. A search for Owen’s replacement will begin immediately.

Produce Marketing Association’s Richard Owen. Photo: PMA