Thai Union North America subsidiary Chicken of the Sea International has turned to an executive with lengthy experience at rival Starkist to head up its sales, marketing and supply chain activities.

The tuna giant appointed Andy Mecs as executive vice president, commercial, where he'll oversee multiple departments.

Mecs spent 10 years with Starkist, starting as a regional sales manager, eventually working his way to chief marketing officer, a role he has held for nearly four years.

Prior to Starkist, Mecs spent six years with Del Monte Foods, the former owner of Starkist, prior to the acquisition by Korean giant Dongwon.

Mecs will report to Thai Union North America President and CEO Bryan Rosenberg.

Last year, Mecs told IntraFish that, like other companies, Starkist saw surging canned tuna sales, putting pressure on supply and requiring new thinking in sales and marketing strategies.

Earlier this month, Thai Union posted an "all-time high" net profit in the second quarter of 2021, boosted by record operating profit from its core businesses and a turnaround of Red Lobster.

The company’s net profit climbed 37 percent compared with the same period a year ago, to reach THB 2,343 million (€59.6 million/$70 million). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased 31 percent to THB 3,101 million (€78.9 million/$92.7 million).