Bay Food Brokerage, a retail food brokerage company serving Florida and the Southeast, has completed a planned leadership transition that reinforces the company’s long-term stability and continued commitment to clients, retail partners and employees.
As of Jan. 1, company founder Cammie Chatterton has transitioned from her role as CEO to founder and chairwoman of the board. Chris Chatterton, previously president and co-owner – and Cammie Chatterton’s son – has assumed the role of CEO and is now the full owner of Bay Food Brokerage. The transition marks the culmination of a multi-year succession plan designed to ensure continuity and confidence for Bay Food Brokerage’s clients and partners.
Chris Chatterton has been deeply involved in the business since 2011, playing a key role in operations, strategy and growth initiatives. His leadership has contributed to revenue growth, team expansion and long-term client success. From 2015-24, the company more than doubled its staff and quadrupled its revenue. Bay Food Brokerage has been on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Fast 50 – the list of the region’s fastest-growing companies based on revenue – multiple times in recent years.
In the food industry, Chris Chatterton belongs to the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA), National Protein and Food Distributors Association (NPFDA) and North American Meat Institute (NAMI). Locally, he is involved in many civic and charitable initiatives, including serving on the Jesuit High School Foundation.
“It is an honor to step into this role and continue building on the foundation my mom built,” Chris Chatterton said. “Our focus remains exactly where it has always been – delivering consistent results, trusted execution and exceptional service for our clients and retail partners.”
Under Cammie Chatterton’s leadership since 1993 – when she became the first woman in the country to own a retail food brokerage company – the firm expanded its footprint, strengthened retailer relationships and built a reputation for integrity, performance and personalized service.
“Leading Bay Food Brokerage has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Cammie Chatterton. “This transition was thoughtfully planned, and I have complete confidence in Chris and the leadership team to take the company into a bright future. Bay Food is well positioned for continued success, and I look forward to supporting the company in my new role.”
Cammie Chatterton will remain actively involved with the company as chairwoman of the board, providing strategic guidance and maintaining relationships across the business and food industry. She will also devote additional time to community involvement throughout Tampa Bay, including long-standing commitments to civic and nonprofit organizations such as the Tampa Bay Chamber, Jesuit High School, Feeding Tampa Bay and others.
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