New Vice President For Thomas Utopia Brand

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Brian Payne has been appointed as the new chief operating officer and vice president of Thomas Utopia Brand.

Payne was first introduced to the company as a consultant assigned by the Windsor Essex Development Corporation to develop a strategy to reduce the impact of the HJ Heinz plant closure. In this position, Payne worked with Utopia and over 70 other businesses across Essex and Kent counties to assess risk and opportunities.

“Brian has been committed to Utopia’s continued success and global expansion, there is no doubt Brian will remain an instrumental part of Utopia’s Global expansion strategy,” cited CEO and Thomas Canning President, Bill Thomas.

Thomas Canning and the Thomas Utopia Brand celebrated a number of successes in 2014 including a $25 million export deal with Nigeria and $3 million in funding from the provincial government to support expanded operations in the region. As Canada’s first and only organic processed tomato, the local processing company is known for their innovative and sustainable approaches and a commitment to their neighbours; the growers in Essex County and the region as a whole.

“Through my initial work with the region and evaluation of the effects of the Heinz Closure, Thomas Canning and the Utopia Brand made it clear they would become a catalyst to support the repositioning of Windsor- Essex as a global player in the tomato processing industry. This commitment is what led me to my decision to become a part of the Thomas Canning and Utopia brand team,” said Brian Payne.