Clearwater names Ian Smith CEO

HALIFAX, April 26 /CNW/ - (TSX: CLR.UN, CLR.DB.B, CLR.DB.A):

    
    - Takes office on May 17, 2010
    - Brings over 21 years experience in food and consumer products
      industries
    - Past experience includes senior leadership positions with Campbell Soup
      Company and Colgate-Palmolive
    

Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership ("Clearwater") is proud to announce the appointment of Ian Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Smith will assume the office on May 17th, 2010. This is consistent with Clearwater's press release in late 2008 announcing the retirement of our Founder/CEO Colin MacDonald and his assumption of the role of Chairman of the Board, a position he will continue to occupy.

Mr. Smith, 46, has over 21 years experience in the food and consumer products industries including senior leadership positions at Campbell Soup Company in the United States, China and Canada and prior to that with Colgate-Palmolive. His most recent position with Campbell was 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," said Colin MacDonald, Chairman of the Board of Clearwater.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this innovative Canadian seafood company. Clearwater is not only a world leader in sustainable harvesting practices and resource management, it has a world recognized brand and reputation for the very highest quality shellfish and a proven record in the innovative use of technology to enhance customer value. Clearwater harvests its core base of sustainable fishing quotas off Atlantic Canada and Argentina with one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the global fishing industry. I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to lead an industry leading company like Clearwater and such a dedicated and talented workforce and experienced management team. I look forward to working with the team to continue to bring the value inherent in Clearwater's operations to our customers." said Mr. Smith.

About Ian Smith

Ian Smith joined Cambell Company of Canada in 2001 as Vice President of Marketing. He was promoted to Vice-President Campbell Soup Innovation, Campbell USA in January 2003 where he led new product strategy, product development and commercialization for Campbell's U.S. retail soup business.

From 2004 to 2006 he served as Vice-President, Ready-to-Serve Soup for Campbell in the U.S. where he lead a cross-functional leadership team in the development of strategy and market execution for Campbell's retail soup and simple meal portfolio.

In 2006 Ian was promoted to the position of General Manager, Greater China for Campbell's where he was responsible for successfully establishing Campbell's first regional headquarters in Shanghai, implementing the first locally sourced and manufactured product entry and developing a 3 year plan for expansion in mainland China.

In January 2009 Ian was appointed to the newly created role of Vice-President Business Development, Campbell's North America. In this role Ian was responsible for leading external business development in the U.S. for soup, sauce, beverage, and food service as well as their Canadian business unit.

While at Campbell's Ian participated in their CEO Institute Training Program for high potential leaders.

Prior to Campbell's, Ian held a variety of positions with increasing responsibilty with Colgate-Palmolive concluding with Director of Marketing.

Ian, Canadian by birth, is a graduate of McGill University where he earned a Masters of Business Adminsistration degree as well as a B.A. in Economics.

From 1981 to 1990 Ian served in the Canadian Army Reserve attaining the rank of Captain.

About Clearwater

Clearwater is recognized for its consistent quality, wide diversity and reliable delivery of premium seafood, including scallops, lobster, clams, coldwater shrimp, crab and ground fish.

Since its founding in 1976, Clearwater has invested in science, people, technology, resource ownership and resource management to preserve and grow its seafood resource. This commitment has allowed it to remain a leader in the global seafood market.

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For further information: Robert Wight, Chief Financial Officer, Clearwater, [phone]; Tyrone Cotie, Director of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations, Clearwater, [phone]