FiveStar Gourmet Foods appoints former Dole president and Ready Pac Foods CEO as president 

FiveStar Gourmet Foods has hired produce industry veteran Michael Solomon as president, effective immediately. 

Reporting to CEO Tal Shoshan, Solomon oversees all day-to-day operations out of the company’s Ontario, Calif., headquarters, according to a news release. Shoshan will continue to oversee the company’s innovation and strategic growth, according to the release.

Solomon joins FiveStar Gourmet Foods from Dole Fresh Vegetables, where he served as president. Previously, he also held roles as president at Pom Wonderful and as president and CEO of Ready Pac Foods Inc. He also has run a successful business consultancy for over 30 years, according to the release.

“Growth and innovation in the fresh prepared foods landscape has only intensified through the pandemic,” Shoshan said in the release.

“We are expecting continued strong performance and Michael’s specific expertise is a driving factor in our future success as a premium producer of smart and delicious fresh prepared foods.”

Solomon will work to streamline operations, identify new strategic partners, and help continue to strengthen the company’s position in the value-added sector, Shoshan said in the release.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods owns Simply Fresh and produces and distributes a complete line of retail and foodservice products that are both premium and affordable, according to the release.

“Tal and I have a long history as both competitors and friends,” Solomon said in the release. 

“I admire his drive and commitment to growth and innovation in the category. I’ve been impressed with FiveStar’s market position and have a strong vision for how we’ll collaborate to take the company to the next level. It’s easy to see that FiveStar has a clear path for major growth, and I am really excited to join as president.”