TORONTO — The Coffee Association of Canada (CAC) has named Robert Carter as its new president. He takes over from Lesya Balych-Cooper who is retiring after leading the association as president for almost seven years.
Carter is a leading restaurant and foodservice expert with more than 20 years of industry experience, spanning executive leadership, strategy, sales, marketing and research.
“We’re thrilled to have someone with Robert’s industry knowledge, network and history leading the Coffee Association of Canada as it embarks on the next stage of its three-year Strategic Plan,” says Balych-Cooper. “I couldn’t be leaving the association in better hands.”
As managing partner of The StratonHunter Group, Carter leads a portfolio of high-growth companies in the foodservice and food-tech industry. For 14 years, he oversaw the research development, sales and marketing of CREST market-intelligence data for the foodservice industry as executive director at The NPD Group. During that time, he was an engaged member of CAC, including serving as treasurer on the Board of Directors.
Carter is also a well-known conference presenter, moderator and media personality and has hosted and moderated numerous panels and presentations at the annual CAC Conference.
“I know the Coffee Association of Canada and its members well and my team at StratonHunter are thrilled to be involved with the association and for me to take on this role,” says Carter. “Thank you to Lesya for building a strong foundation that delivers tangible value to members. I look forward to working with the Board and members to continue to advance the CAC’s vision to contribute to the ethical and responsible growth of the Canadian coffee industry.”
