Category Partners has announced the promotion of Tom Barnes to fill the position of CEO. Mac Johnson, the founding President / CEO of Category Partners, is stepping back and refocusing his efforts on driving value and growth for our clients in the retail grocery channel.
The importance of retail relationships and business insights to Category Partners’ principals and clients continues to grow. “As Category Partners has deepened its relationships with national and regional retailers, my focus, time and energy has evolved” said Johnson, President/CEO of Category Partners, he went on to say, “after spending over 47 years in CPG and produce marketing, it was time to let the younger members of the team take Category Partners to the next level. I’ll be shifting my efforts to the rapidly changing world of retail and produce, and strategically supporting (incoming CEO) Tom Barnes and the rest of the first-class CP team.”
Incoming CEO, Tom Barnes, was quoted as saying, “I have known Mac for many years and consider him not only a mentor but a friend and I am honored to take up the torch of this great company and continue to build on the strong foundation Mac has built. I am excited to work for our clients, our principals and on behalf of the Category Partners team.”
Tom added, “Category Partners has experienced strong growth over the last twenty four months, more than doubling the company’s size. I am proud to have the opportunity to lead such an innovative team of produce professionals. We’re doing things never done before in the produce industry. This includes cutting edge technology, market and consumer research as well as retail and category insights that have a proven record of driving retail sales growth.”
Prior to joining Category Partners 3 years ago, Tom held a senior position at Wada Farms Marketing Group leading a major retailer account group for more than 6 of his 13 years with the company. With a technology background and a strong understanding of the retail world Tom is poised to take Category Partners to the next level.
Tom hails from Idaho Falls, Idaho where he and his wife are doing their best to raise their five beautiful children. Tom loves to ride ATVs, coach sports of every kind, and simply be with his kids every chance he gets.
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About Category Partners
Category Partners was started in 2008 by two large grower/shippers to enhance their ability to provide category management and development insights. Since that time Category Partners has been very active developing plans and programs for grower
shippers and retailers, and has been interviewed, and quoted by many trade publications. Category Partners is a member of PMA, United Fresh, Fresh Produce and Floral Council and SEPC, and is headquartered in Aurora, CO with offices in Idaho Falls, ID, Chicago, IL and Laguna Hills, CA.
Source: Category Partners
