Thursday, July 29, 1999
Starkist's rock-'n'-roll CEO resigns
BY RANDY TUCKER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Edgar J. Johnson, president and chief operating officer of Newport-based Starkist Seafood, has resigned to pursue personal interests, the company said Wednesday.
His resignation is effective July 31. He could not be reached for comment.
David R. Williams, executive vice president of Starkist's parent, H.J. Heinz Co., will take over the 45-year-old Mr. Johnson's responsibilities until a replacement can be found, the company said.
Mr. Johnson has been Starkist's president and chief operating officer since spring 1997.
During that time, he also has been an active member of a rock band called Four on the Floor, which is now working on its first album, a company spokesman said.
“We wish Ed all the best in the future with his personal music and business endeavors,” Mr. Williams said. “We thank him for his contributions to our company over the years.”
As one of the top executives at Starkist — the maker of the leading canned-tuna brand in the country — Mr. Johnson was instrumental in helping the company reach worldwide tuna sales of $1.3 billion.
A Hammond, Ind., native, Mr. Johnson joined Heinz in 1972 and worked for Heinz U.S.A. in a number of positions in its manufacturing, purchasing and marketing departments. He left Heinz in 1984 to join David & Sons, a division of Nestle SA.
In 1988, Mr. Johnson rejoined Heinz's Starkist division. Eight years later, he was named executive vice president of marketing and sales for Heinz Pet Products, also based in Newport.
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