ONTARIO, CALIF. —Premium fresh food producer FiveStar Gourmet Foods has appointed produce industry leader Michael Solomon as president of the company. Reporting to CEO Tal Shoshan, Solomon will oversee all day-to-day operations out of the company’s Ontario headquarters. Shoshan will continue to oversee the company’s innovation and strategic growth.  

"Growth and innovation in the fresh prepared foods landscape has only intensified through the pandemic. We are expecting continued strong performance and Michael’s specific expertise is a driving factor in our future success as a premium producer of smart and delicious fresh prepared foods,” said Shoshan. “Michael will be working closely with us to streamline operations, identify new strategic partners, and help continue to strengthen our position as the fastest-growing brand within fresh value-added.”  

Solomon earned a degree in business and managerial economics from Union College and a Master’s in business administration (M.B.A.) from the Wharton School of Business. He joins FiveStar Gourmet Foods from DOLE Fresh Vegetables, where he also served as President. Prior to this, he held roles as president at POM Wonderful and president and CEO of Ready Pac Foods, Inc. where he led the organization through several years of record performance. Solomon also has run a successful business consultancy for over 30 years.  

“Tal and I have a long history as both competitors and friends. I admire his drive and commitment to growth and innovation in the category,” said Solomon. “I’ve been impressed with FiveStar’s market position and have a strong vision for how we’ll collaborate to take the company to the next level. FiveStar has a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure, an unparalleled food safety record, and the strongest innovation pipeline in the industry. It’s easy to see that FiveStar has a clear path for major growth, and I am really excited to join as president.”