Mr. Kassar has served as a director of the Company since 2002. Mr. Kassar is the Chief Financial Officer of Freshpet Company, a NASDAQ company [FRPT] since July 2014 and is currently a principal of Go7Brands, LLC, a brand management company, where he also serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Previously, Mr. Kassar had served as President of Freshpet Company from January 2011 to July 2014 and as Chief Executive Officer from October 2006 to December 2010. From February 2002 to July 2006,
Mr. Kassar was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Meow Mix Company, a cat food company. From May 2001 to January 2002, he was self-employed as a consultant to venture capital firms, advising them primarily on the acquisition of consumer brands. From December 1999 to May 2001, Mr. Kassar was employed as Co President and Chief Financial Officer of Global Household Brands, a manufacturer of household products. From 1986 to December 1999, he was employed by Chock Full O’Nuts, a coffee company, in various positions, and most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Kassar also served as a director, member of the compensation committee and chairman of the audit committee of Vaughan Foods, Inc., a NASDAQ company until March 2010, which was sold in October 2011. Until March 2010, Mr. Kassar also served as a director, member of the compensation committee and chairman of the audit committee of Velocity Express, Inc., a NASDAQ company until August 2009, which was sold in November 2009. Mr. Kassar is the first cousin of Michael J. Kasbar, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Kassar brings to the Board his extensive executive experience in brand management, consumer products and corporate finance and has significant experience as a senior finance executive.