Sanford Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sanford has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to sustainable seafood, Sanford is dedicated to responsibly farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing a diverse range of seafood products across global markets, impacting consumer choice and industry standards.

Leadership Roles at Sanford

  • Chief Executive Officer & Education Consultant - Michelle Thompson
  • President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer - Henry Pearsall
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Donnisha Sanford
  • Chief Financial Officer - Paul Alston
  • Chief Operating Officer - Randy Bury
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - John Calloway
  • Acting Chief Operating Officer - Peter Young
  • President - Henry Sanford
  • Michelle Thompson - Chief Executive Officer & Education Consultant

    Michelle Thompson, the Chief Executive Officer & Education Consultant at Sanford, directs the overarching corporate strategy and educational outreach initiatives. This dual role involves guiding the company's long-term vision while also developing and implementing educational programs that enhance industry understanding and promote sustainable practices. Thompson's leadership ensures alignment between business objectives and the company's commitment to responsible seafood sourcing and processing. Overseeing the integration of educational components into business operations, Michelle Thompson drives a culture of continuous learning and industry advancement. The Chief Executive Officer & Education Consultant's responsibilities extend to fostering key stakeholder relationships and championing the company's mission across diverse markets, including New Zealand, Australia, North America, and Europe. This strategic direction supports Sanford's engagement in both wildcatch and aquaculture segments, ensuring operational excellence and market leadership.

    Henry Pearsall - President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

    Henry Pearsall, the President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Sanford, commands the highest level of strategic decision-making and corporate governance. Pearsall's leadership shapes the company's direction across its farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing operations for seafood products. This executive guides the integration of both the Wildcatch and Aquaculture segments, ensuring cohesive performance and market penetration. The President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer's purview includes overseeing global expansion efforts in regions such as North America, Europe, China, and Asia. Henry Pearsall's role is critical in maintaining Sanford's position as a leader in the seafood industry, driving innovation in product development and operational efficiency. This involves close collaboration with the board to uphold financial integrity and long-term growth objectives, ensuring the company's continued success in diverse international markets.

    Donnisha Sanford - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Donnisha Sanford, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Sanford, established the company's foundational principles and continues to drive its strategic vision. Sanford's leadership encompasses the entire value chain, from farming and harvesting to processing and marketing of a wide array of seafood products. This executive champions the company's commitment to quality and sustainability across both the Wildcatch and Aquaculture divisions. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's influence is pivotal in shaping Sanford's corporate culture and market positioning. Donnisha Sanford oversees the strategic allocation of resources to support innovation in seafood processing and cultivation techniques. This leadership ensures the company's operations, spanning New Zealand, Australia, and international markets, adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility and product excellence, reinforcing Sanford's legacy.

    Paul Alston - Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Alston, the Chief Financial Officer at Sanford, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the company's extensive seafood business. Alston's responsibilities include managing budgets, financial planning, risk management, and investor relations across Sanford's global operations in farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing. The Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial health and sustainability of both the Wildcatch and Aquaculture segments, supporting strategic investments in new technologies and market expansion. Paul Alston's oversight is crucial for maintaining fiscal discipline and driving profitability in diverse markets across New Zealand, Australia, North America, and Europe. This role involves close collaboration with other C-suite executives to align financial objectives with the company's overall growth and operational goals, ensuring robust financial performance.

    Randy Bury - Chief Operating Officer

    Randy Bury, the Chief Operating Officer at Sanford, oversees the day-to-day operational execution of the company's comprehensive seafood business. Bury's leadership focuses on optimizing efficiency and productivity across all facets of farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing seafood products. This includes managing the complex logistics and supply chains inherent in both the Wildcatch and Aquaculture segments, ensuring seamless operations from catch to consumer. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to implementing best practices in operational management and driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout Sanford's global footprint, including New Zealand, Australia, and international markets. Randy Bury's strategic focus on operational excellence supports the company's commitment to delivering high-quality seafood products while maintaining rigorous standards for safety and sustainability.
    Randy Bury

    John Calloway - President & Chief Operating Officer

    John Calloway, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Sanford, directs the strategic execution of operational initiatives and overall business development. Calloway's leadership integrates the company's extensive seafood farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing activities, ensuring synergy between the Wildcatch and Aquaculture segments. This executive is responsible for driving operational performance and market growth across Sanford's global presence, encompassing regions from New Zealand to Europe and North America. The President & Chief Operating Officer's role involves fostering innovation in operational processes and supply chain management to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. John Calloway's strategic oversight ensures that all operational activities align with the company's long-term objectives for sustainability and market leadership in the international seafood industry.

    Peter Young - Acting Chief Operating Officer

    Peter Young, the Acting Chief Operating Officer at Sanford, provides interim leadership for the company's extensive operational activities. Young's focus is on maintaining the continuity and efficiency of seafood farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing operations across both Wildcatch and Aquaculture segments. This role involves overseeing the execution of current operational plans and ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards throughout the supply chain. The Acting Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing day-to-day challenges and supporting the broader leadership team in achieving strategic objectives. Peter Young's interim leadership ensures that Sanford's global operations, from New Zealand to international markets, continue to function effectively, supporting the company's commitment to delivering premium seafood products.

    Henry Sanford - President

    Henry Sanford, the President at Sanford, leads the strategic direction and overall business development for the company's comprehensive seafood operations. Sanford's executive focus encompasses the farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing of diverse seafood products, ensuring alignment across the Wildcatch and Aquaculture segments. This leadership role is critical in driving market expansion and maintaining Sanford's competitive edge in global territories, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The President's responsibilities include fostering key partnerships and overseeing initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and product innovation. Henry Sanford's strategic vision guides the company's commitment to sustainable practices and its position as a leader in the international seafood industry, ensuring long-term growth and market influence.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Food & Beverage

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sanford Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sanford?
    Sanford is led by Michelle Thompson (Chief Executive Officer & Education Consultant), along with executives such as Henry Pearsall (President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) and Donnisha Sanford (Founder & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Sanford’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sanford includes leaders such as Michelle Thompson (Chief Executive Officer & Education Consultant), Henry Pearsall (President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), Donnisha Sanford (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sanford have?
    Sanford has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sanford’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sanford includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Education Consultant, President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.