Leadership

Bay Area seafood chain enlists industry vets for expansion push

Pacific Catch co-founder Keith Cox has resumed the posts of CEO and president in a management shuffle that will also deepen the involvement of chain veteran Mike Hislop.

The company said the infrastructure was bolstered to provide a foundation for next year's growth. 

The changes also include the addition of Johanna Rivera as VP of marketing. She formerly served in a number of capacities at Subway, including as former director of the sandwich chain’s Latin American and Caribbean regions.

Demitri Gill joins Pacific Catch as CFO, after holding that role at Il Fornaio, now owned by Roark Capital.

Hislop, a director of the company since it was founded by Cox and Aaron Noveshen, has assumed the role of chairman. Pacific Catch said Hislop, the former CEO of Il Fornaio, Corner Bakery and Chevys, will take an active role in the company’s expansion, working closely with the new management team.

Similarly, Noveshen, a longtime director, will become more active in shaping Pacific Catch’s menu, the chain said. He is also a principal of a new chicken sandwich concept called Starbird.

Cox, who succeeds Steve Stoddard as CEO, was Pacific Catch’s CEO and president for its first 10 years, from 2003 through 2012, when he moved up to chairman, until surrendering that role to Hislop. Cox also co-founded World Wrapps, which he now co-owns and serves as chairman.

Pacific Catch, which describes itself as “modern casual,” currently has seven locations. Its specialties include poke, sandwiches, tacos, salads and seasonal cocktails.

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