Canadian seafood firm appoints new CEO

Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership has named Ian Smith the new chief executive officer who will take over from the company's founder and retiring CEO next month.

Smith, who has more than 21 years of experience in food and consumer products industries, will take up his duties on May 17.

He takes over from founder Colin MacDonald, who will remain as chairman of Clearwater's board.

He has held senior positions at Campbell Soup Co. in the US, China and Canada with his most recent position as vice-president of business development for North America.

"Ian's proven track record over the past 21 years, his diverse range of global experience in both marketing and sales and his demonstrated business development abilities in North America and internationally made him the ideal candidate for the position," MacDonald said.

Halifax-based Clearwater serves high-end restaurants and food service operators with most of its markets outside Canada in countries such as Japan and the US.

Clearwater has 1,600 employees, about 20 vessels, seven plants and offices in Toronto, Europe, China, Japan, Europe and the United States. Previously, units of the company rose four cents to 86 cents on the Toronto Stock Exchange.