Rich Berry is a seasoned executive leader with over 40 years of experience in business strategy, operational excellence, and leadership across food, retail, distribution, and consumer products industries. With a proven track record in company transformations, mergers and acquisitions, revenue growth, and strategic planning, he has consistently delivered sustainable growth and operational efficiencies at the highest levels of leadership.
Currently serving as the President and CEO of Alexandra Foods, LLC, Rich is leading the charge in expanding the company’s market reach and optimizing manufacturing processes. His deep understanding of consumer behavior, product innovation, and process improvement has positioned him as a sought-after leader in the industry. His extensive expertise includes guiding organizations through turnaround situations, lean process implementations, and business consolidations to create long-term value.
Rich has served as CEO of multiple organizations, successfully steering them through strategic growth, acquisitions, and operational efficiencies. At Aquamar Inc., he led the consolidation of two major surimi manufacturers into a single, unified organization, expanding its market presence and strengthening its competitive positioning. His tenure as CEO of Pearl Abrasive Co. saw the merging of five businesses into one cohesive entity, creating a scalable and efficient organization.
His business acumen extends beyond executive leadership—Rich has played a pivotal role in mergers and acquisitions, leading due diligence, integration processes, and organizational restructuring to ensure seamless transitions and operational synergy. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and optimize business structures has made him an invaluable asset to every organization he has led.
Beyond the boardroom, Rich is deeply passionate about mentorship and leadership development. He believes that an organization’s greatest strength lies in its people, and he has consistently built high-performing teams through empowerment, accountability, and professional growth opportunities. His cross-functional leadership approach has driven success across sales, marketing, supply chain, and operations.
Rich’s expertise in brand building, forecasting, trade promotions, and consumer insights has enabled businesses to launch successful products, optimize marketing strategies, and capture new market opportunities. His leadership at Fresh Express helped the company achieve an unprecedented 48% market share, while his role at Aurora Foods guided the successful repositioning of multiple consumer brands.
With an MBA in Marketing and Operations from Washington University in St. Louis – Olin Business School and a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Rich combines analytical precision with strategic foresight to drive sustainable business success. His technical background, coupled with executive leadership experience, allows him to tackle operational challenges with a unique, solution-driven perspective.
Rich’s contributions extend to board and advisory roles, where he brings strategic insights and governance expertise to organizations. He currently serves on a non-profit architecture board and has previously led multiple companies as CEO, guiding them through high-growth phases and major business transformations. His ability to provide board-level advisory, financial oversight, and strategic decision-making makes him a valuable asset in any leadership capacity.
Beyond business, Rich is an advocate for architectural preservation, reflecting his appreciation for history, innovation, and craftsmanship. His passion for learning and continuous growth extends beyond his professional career, embodying a personal goal to keep learning and contributing to society.
With a global perspective and experience in international business engagements, Rich has successfully led market expansions into Canada, Latin America, and key U.S. retail sectors. His ability to navigate diverse business landscapes, regulatory environments, and cultural nuances makes him an asset to companies seeking global growth and expansion strategies.
Character:
Rich Berry is a principled leader who values integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of business and leadership. His ability to build trust and foster strong relationships has been a driving force behind his success in leading organizations through growth and transformation.
Knowledge:
With a deep understanding of strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and operational efficiency, Rich brings a wealth of expertise across multiple industries. His ability to analyze market dynamics and align business strategies with consumer trends has contributed to sustained success and competitive advantage.
Strategic:
Rich has a proven track record of leading companies through complex transformations, successfully navigating market expansions, restructuring efforts, and revenue growth initiatives. His forward-thinking approach ensures that organizations remain agile, resilient, and positioned for long-term success.
Communication:
As an effective communicator, Rich excels at aligning cross-functional teams, engaging stakeholders, and articulating a clear vision for business growth. His ability to inspire collaboration and drive consensus has played a critical role in executing high-impact strategies and delivering measurable results.
