Peterson, a third-generation family-owned company headquartered in Auburn, Washington, has been a trusted leader in the specialty food distribution industry since 1947. With distribution centers in Washington and New Jersey, we proudly serve as a premier provider of imported and domestic specialty cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet accompaniments to retail and upscale food service partners throughout the United States. Our partnerships with world-class producers in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and England, combined with our deep expertise in perishables and distribution, enable us to deliver exceptional quality and service locally, regionally and nationally.
At Peterson, we’re more than a distributor—we’re a team of passionate food enthusiasts committed to excellence, innovation, and building lasting relationships with our customers, suppliers, and employees. Our 200+ dedicated team members thrive in a collaborative, family-oriented culture that values respect, adaptability, and a customer-centric focus. As we look to the future, we’re seeking a visionary CEO to lead us through our next chapter of growth, leveraging our strong foundation to explore new opportunities and elevate our position in the competitive food distribution landscape.
The Opportunity
Peterson is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to drive our strategic vision, accelerate revenue growth, and uphold our legacy of quality and service. Working closely with our experienced leadership team, the CEO will be a transformative, decisive leader who leads with a strong sales focus balanced by a dedication to operational excellence. This is a unique opportunity to lead a thriving, family-owned business with a rich history, a loyal customer base, and untapped potential in the specialty food market.
Key Responsibilities
• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Develop and communicate a clear, unified growth strategy that builds upon Peterson’s strengths, identifies new business opportunities, and ensures long-term success.
• Revenue Growth & Sales Leadership: Lead a world-class sales function that reflects our high standards, acting as a brand evangelist to pitch Peterson to key stakeholders and decision-makers, strengthening our supplier relationships and expanding our market presence. Lead the charge to secure major new accounts regionally and nationally, growing top line revenues profitably to increase EBITDA.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee operations to maintain efficiency and quality across distribution, logistics, and customer service, ensuring seamless execution. Partner with the leadership team to refine processes and systems that support both employees and customers.
• Culture & Team Empowerment: Champion our family-oriented culture, fostering a collaborative and respectful environment. Empower our talented team by aligning new programs and initiatives with our core values.
• Financial Stewardship: Ensure the financial health of the organization by collaborating with the CFO on financial strategy, forecasting, and cash management.
• Customer-Centric Innovation: Drive digital transformation and innovative solutions to enhance the customer and employee experience, strengthen loyalty, and stay competitive in a dynamic market.
Qualifications
• At least 20 years of professional experience, with at least 10 years of P&L responsibility within a high-growth, high-quality distribution business with revenues of at least $250M.
• Proven success growing top-line revenues, particularly through sales leadership or business development in a B2B context.
• Deep understanding of distribution operations and the ability to balance sales- driven growth with process optimization and profitability.
• Direct experience leading transformative enterprise initiatives in food distribution, perishables, or specialty imports.
• Familiarity with family-owned or privately held businesses.
Personality Traits
• Exceptional communication skills—crystal clear, inspiring, and customer- focused—to unite teams and engage stakeholders.
• Charismatic, decisive, and results-oriented, with a track record of inspiring teams and driving outcomes.
• Analytical and innovative, capable of identifying opportunities and solving complex challenges.
• Empathetic, resilient, and emotionally intelligent, with a collaborative leadership style that respects our legacy and empowers our people.
Education
Bachelor’s degree required, MBA or advanced degree in business ideal
Location & Travel
Preference for candidates local to the Pacific Northwest, though exceptional out-of- state candidates will be considered. Our ideal CEO values consistent, on-site interaction with the team, and is also willing to travel (occasionally internationally) to meet suppliers and customers.
Why Join Peterson?
This is more than a leadership role, it’s a chance to shape the future of a respected, family-owned company with a national footprint and a global supply chain. You’ll work with a passionate team, engage with iconic brands, and lead a business poised for growth in a vibrant industry. With a competitive salary of $450,000-$550,000, performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits, this role offers both financial reward and the opportunity to impact a lasting family legacy.
How to Apply
If you’re a transformative leader ready to build on Peterson’s success and take us to new heights, we want to hear from you. Please submit your resume with integrated cover letter by 4/30/25.
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