Global Seafood Alliance appoints CEO
The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has named Mike Kocsis as its new Chief Executive Officer, after a year-long search.
He succeeds Wally Stevens, the former CEO who returned to head the organisation on an interim basis in March last year when the then Chief Executive, Brian Perkins, left the organisation abruptly.
The GSA is a US-based international, nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing responsible seafood practices through education, advocacy and third-party assurances.
Kocsis (pictured) has extensive seafood industry experience spanning two decades. He joined the GSA in April 2022 as Chief Systems Officer to oversee certification operations and information technology and was most recently promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in August 2023.
Kocsis joined the seafood industry after completing studies in supply chain management and international business. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in logistics and international business from Penn State University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Wally Stevens
Kocsis said: “I’m excited to continue advancing responsible seafood practices globally with our partners. GSA is proud to engage with many of the world’s leading aquaculture and wild-caught seafood producers, retailers, foodservice operators, and NGOs, and I look forward to closer collaboration as we advance our shared vision. This work isn’t possible without the incredible team at GSA. Their commitment to our mission and dedication to continuous improvement inspires me daily. It’s an honour to serve this team and lead GSA into the future.”
Kocsis’ career includes leadership roles at leading seafood brands like High Liner Foods, King & Prince Seafood and Gorton’s Seafood. In 2016, while serving as VP of aquaculture procurement at High Liner Foods, he was recognized on IntraFish’s 40 Under 40 list.
Wally Stevens will assist in Kocsis’ transition into the CEO role and remain a member of the GSA board of directors and GSA executive committee. Stevens has been involved with the Global Seafood Alliance for 17 years, joining the Global Aquaculture Alliance as executive director in 2007.
