Cooke Executive and Leadership Team

Peter Buck, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Cooke, manages the global financial health and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the treasury, accounting, and financial planning departments, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures accurate reporting and fiscal transparency. Buck directs the evaluation of investment opportunities in new aquaculture technologies and international market expansion. By analyzing market trends and commodity price fluctuations, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks associated with global seafood trade. Peter Buck coordinates with the Board to establish long-term budgetary goals and capital structure optimization. This leadership role involves maintaining strong relationships with banking partners and investors to support ongoing business development. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer drives profitability and ensures the company possesses the necessary liquidity to fund strategic initiatives. Buck secures the financial future of the organization through disciplined fiscal management.

Kris Nicholls, the Chief Operating Officer at Cooke, directs global aquaculture production and supply chain logistics. Overseeing the daily operations of salmon farming facilities, the Chief Operating Officer ensures strict adherence to quality standards and environmental regulations. Nicholls manages the integration of advanced farming technologies to optimize harvest yields across North American and European sites. By coordinating with regional managers, the Chief Operating Officer maintains consistent output levels to meet rising global demand for premium seafood. Kris Nicholls drives efficiency improvements within the processing plants, reducing waste and enhancing product freshness. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of biological performance metrics to safeguard the health of aquatic stocks. Through rigorous oversight of production cycles, the Chief Operating Officer supports the long-term profitability of the organization. Nicholls secures operational stability by implementing standardized protocols across all international farming divisions, ensuring the company remains a leader in the global seafood industry.

Bret Scholtes, the Chief Operating Officer (USA) at Cooke, manages all domestic aquaculture operations and market distribution channels. Focusing on the expansion of the United States footprint, the Chief Operating Officer (USA) aligns regional production goals with broader corporate objectives. Scholtes directs the implementation of sustainable farming practices tailored to specific North American coastal environments. By supervising local facility managers, the Chief Operating Officer (USA) ensures compliance with federal and state regulatory frameworks. Bret Scholtes optimizes the logistics network to expedite the delivery of fresh seafood to major retail and wholesale partners. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the executive team to refine market entry strategies and operational scaling. Through the application of data-driven insights, the Chief Operating Officer (USA) enhances the productivity of domestic assets. Scholtes maintains a sharp focus on operational safety and resource management, ensuring the company achieves consistent growth within the competitive American seafood market.

Rod Gould, the Chief Legal Officer at Cooke, directs all corporate legal affairs and regulatory compliance initiatives. Overseeing the management of international contracts, intellectual property, and environmental litigation, the Chief Legal Officer ensures the company operates within the legal frameworks of every jurisdiction. Gould manages the legal risks associated with global aquaculture operations, including land use, water rights, and trade regulations. By providing counsel to the executive team, the Chief Legal Officer shapes corporate governance policies and risk mitigation strategies. Rod Gould leads negotiations for major acquisitions and partnerships, ensuring all agreements align with the long-term interests of the company. This leadership role involves constant engagement with regulatory bodies to advocate for industry-friendly policies. Through the oversight of internal compliance programs, the Chief Legal Officer protects the reputation and assets of the organization. Gould secures the legal integrity of the business by proactively addressing emerging regulatory challenges across the global seafood market.