Ex-Wada Farms leader takes on CEO role at Category Partners

Ex-Wada Farms leader takes on CEO role at Category Partners

Category Partners, a category management and development insight company based in Aurora, Colo., promoted Tom Barnes to the position of CEO.

Barnes will succeed Mac Johnson, founder, president and CEO, who will be stepping back to focus on driving values and growth for retail grocery channel clients, according to a press release.

Before joining Category Partners in 2013, Barnes held a senior position with Wada Farms Marketing Group. He is from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and his strong retail and technology backgrounds make him a strong choice for the position.

"Category Partners has experienced strong growth over the last 24 months, more than doubling the company's size. I am honored to take up the torch of this great company and continue to build on the strong foundation Mac has built," said Barnes in the release.

Meanwhile, Johnson seemed eager to focus more on retail and produce.

"After spending 47 years in CPG and produce marketing, it was time to let the younger members of the team take Category Partners to the next level," he said in the release.

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