PMA’s Richard Owen to lead American Peanut Council

The Produce Marketing Association’s Richard Owen will be leaving his position at the end of January to become president and CEO of the American Peanut Council.

Owen has been with PMA for 11 years in a variety of senior leadership positions, focused on legislative and regulatory affairs and the global agricultural community, according to a news release. His new role will combine his skills and experience to provide leadership, support and direction to the national peanut industry.
Owen’s last day with PMA will be Jan. 31 and his new role starts Feb. 1. A search for his successor will begin immediately, according to the release.

“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,” Max Teplitski, chief science officer for PMA, said in the release. “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.” 

Owen’s effect on PMA and its members will be long lasting, PMA leaders said.

He has been dedicated to sharing the value of PMA to members, according to the release, expanding its global influence, and advocating for the produce and floral industries in on issues including trade and labor. The Packer recently profiled Owen for the The Packer 25, an annual recognition of top leaders in the produce industry.

“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,” PMA CEO Cathy Burns said in the release. “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.”

The American Peanut Council works with the National Peanut Board, U.S. Peanut Federation, the Peanut Institute and organizations representing growers and market segments.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at PMA working in a variety of positions and on a variety of issues,” Owen said in the release. “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.”