PMA Taps Joe Watson as VP of Domestic Business Development

Produce industry veteran Joe Watson, whose past employers include Rouses Supermarkets, is set to join Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) staff team on June 22, as VP of domestic business development.

PMA said in a statement that Watson’s hiring reflects an ongoing effort by the association and its member board to bring hands-on industry perspectives to developing, delivering and communicating the value PMA brings to members and their businesses.

In his new role, Watson will lead the U.S. domestic business development team, which is responsible for building industry relationships to attract new companies to PMA and better engage current members. He will work closely with PMA’s volunteer leader boards and councils, and PMA’s member relations, marketing, public relations and product development staff teams. Watson will report to Anthony Barbieri, SVP of member relations and business development.  

“Joe’s strong sense of passion for the produce industry is exemplified by his volunteer participation across several industry association committees, as well as his respected 32-year career with Rouses,” said Bryan Silbermann, PMA’s CEO.

Watson noted, “I am excited to join PMA and to get to work on initiatives and projects that will serve our current members and future members as well. My plan is for the PMA business development team to provide products and services through collaboration that will add great value to all members.”

Watson most recently served as the director of produce for Thibodaux, La.-based Rouses Supermarkets, where he managed produce operations of the chain's 46 retail stores. In addition to his responsibilities for buying, category management, marketing, sales, financial forecasting and personnel development, he also worked closely with the chain's food safety director on industry issues.