Press Room

JOH Announces Significant Leadership Changes

August 22, 2017 – Billerica, MA – JOH, one of the strongest regional brokers in America, is proud to announce a significant reorganization of its corporate leadership. This changing of the guard has only occurred on one other occasion in the 61 year history of JOH and is part of a well-planned succession strategy.

Effective September 1st, John Saidnawey will be promoted to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, Matt O’Hare will become President and Chief Operating Officer. Chip O’Hare will take on Chairman Emeritus status.

“I am very proud of John Saidnawey and his contribution to the success of our company,” said Chip O’Hare. “We all appreciate his steadfast dedication to JOH over the last 35 years and for his efforts in the role of President and COO for the past seven. As he steps into his well-deserved role as Chairman of the Board and CEO, I know we can continue to expect great commitment, enthusiasm and leadership from him.” John’s role will include general management, strategic planning, finance and client and customer relations.

Matt O’Hare has grown up in the business and has had many diverse responsibilities at JOH. He is a graduate of the Middlesex School, Harvard College and Stanford Business School. He joined JOH in 2011 and has worked as an Account Executive, Director of Frozen & Dairy and most recently as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. In addition, Matt is a third-generation member of the Board of Directors of the New England Food Foundation, the primary charity of the New England food industry which was founded by Harry O’Hare in 1961. In his new role at JOH, he will be responsible for overseeing all JOH Operating Divisions, Retail Operations, Category Management, Marketing, Technology, Personnel and other business operations. “I am proud and excited to have Matt as the operating leader of our fast-growing company,” said Chip O’Hare.

After 42 years in the food industry, Chip O’Hare will assume the role of Chairman Emeritus. This involves being available to assist Matt and John on an as needed basis. “Thank you to all JOH associates for your hard work and dedication during the years of my tenure as the leader of the company,” said Chip O’Hare. “Our success is a reflection of your diligence and commitment to our values as a family business in the ever changing food industry. We’ve been through a great deal together and I am very grateful.”

For more information about these leadership changes, please contact John Saidnawey at jsaidnawey@johare.com.

Photos (L to R)

Chip O’Hare, John Saidnawey, Matt O’Hare

About JOH

JOH was founded in 1956 by Harry O’Hare, Sr. and is now one of the strongest regional food brokers with 16 offices and strategic partnerships across the United States. JOH currently has over 500 employees and represents more than 400 clients. For more information, please visit www.johare.com.

For additional press information, please contact Tara Buoncuore at Single Source Marketing.