Protein Industries Canada appoints new CEO

Protein Industries Canada names Robert Hunter as the new CEO, effective January 15, 2025. Hunter will replace Frank Hart who has been interim CEO since August 2024.

Hunter brings more than 20 years of experience in the agriculture food sector, holding positions with Maple Leaf Foods, the Canola Council of Canada, and CropLife International in Asia, Europe, and North America.

“On behalf of the board of directors, I am pleased to welcome Robert Hunter as the new CEO of Protein Industries Canada,” said board chair Tyler Groeneveld. “Robert brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and we are confident in his ability to lead Protein Industries Canada into our next chapter. Under Robert’s leadership, we will focus on further supporting the scale-up and competitiveness of Canadian companies, anchoring Canada’s position as an agriculture and food production powerhouse.”

During his time at CropLife International, Hunter was based in Washington D.C. and Brussels where he focused on advancing innovation in agriculture and driving sustainable food systems forward. Hunter also brings experience in market development and trade, as well as in organizational strategy, operations and global advocacy.

“As the CEO of Protein Industries Canada, I am eager to further advance Canada as a global leader of high-value ingredients and food products,” Hunter said. “As a life-long supporter of Canada’s agriculture sector, I firmly believe in Canada’s potential to lead in this area and look forward to accelerating the competitiveness of the Canadian plant protein sector.”

Hunter will be based out of Toronto, Ont. Protein Industries Canada’s head office will remain in Regina.