FiveStar Gourmet Foods named Johnny Hughes as president of SF-360, the company’s groundbreaking omnichannel platform focused on delivering fresh food solutions across retail, foodservice, sports and entertainment, transportation, hospitality and quick-service restaurant channels. In addition to his executive role, Hughes will also serve on the FiveStar board of directors, helping shape the company’s long-term strategic vision. Hughes brings 30 years of experience from his executive tenure at Tyson Foods, where he held leadership roles across various divisions. He successfully led Tyson’s

The Kroger Co. has hired George Vincent, who will join the company as its secretary and general counsel, effective Aug. 4. Vincent previously served as the firm's managing partner from 2007 to 2022, where he oversaw significant expansion and led many of the firm's strategic efforts. He also served as chairman of the firm's first board of directors. In that role, Vincent oversaw more than 750 lawyers who are licensed in 35 states and the District of Columbia and who supported clients across the U.S. facing complex legal challenges. "George is a widely respected attorney and a trusted advisor to

Raley’s has promoted two accomplished leaders, Jessica Blakely and Faith Garrard, to senior roles overseeing sales and merchandising across the organization’s diverse banners. These appointments reflect the company's commitment to operational excellence, customer-focused innovation and developing talent from within. Blakely has been appointed as the senior leader of the sales and merchandising function for the Bashas’ division. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of category management for fresh and center store, vendor relations, data and analytics, pricing, schematics and

Duda Farm Fresh Foods has hired Roger Moncada as director of sales – West and Steve Bindas as director of outside sales. These appointments come at a pivotal moment for Duda as it approaches its centennial in 2026 and builds toward its next 100 years. Moncada joins the Duda team with more than three decades of produce sales expertise, most recently serving over seven years as director of sales at Dole Fresh Vegetables. In his new role, Moncada will lead efforts to deepen customer relationships and drive new business opportunities across the West.

The American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute, the U.S. Sweet Potato Council, and the North Carolina Sweet potato Commission including the broader agricultural community mourn the loss of Johnny Barnes, abeloved husband, father, leader, innovator and tireless advocate for North Carolina agriculture. Mr. Barnes, 61, died on July 12, after complications from a recent illness. A lifelong resident of Spring Hope, Barnes dedicated his life to farming and family, playing a pivotal role in the growth of North Carolina’s sweet potato industry through his leadership at Barnes Farming Corporation and

Kevin Frederick Kershaw, CEO of DSG Logistics, died July 3, leaving behind a life lived with passion, competition and deep love for his family. Mr. Kershaw joined his family's legacy agriculture business, Kershaw Cos., along with his cousin Robert and their fathers. He started his time with the company working on the ranches alongside his uncle Bob. Later, in the early 2010s, Mr. Kershaw was tasked to help develop a transportation company to service customers worldwide. His leadership in Domex Logistics officially began with the company's foundation in 2015, becoming an instrumental piece of