AlaTrade Foods Inc., a 100% employee-owned poultry processing company with plants in Albertville and Boaz, Ala., has announced the appointment of Robert Blake as its director of growth and marketing, a newly created role designed to support the company’s long-term strategy for innovation, customer alignment and market expansion. 

Founded in 2000, AlaTrade Foods has built its reputation on quality processing, strong customer partnerships and a people-first culture rooted in employee ownership. As the company continues to evolve alongside its customers and the broader food industry, the addition of this role reflects a commitment to strengthening internal capabilities while positioning the business for sustainable growth. As director of growth and marketing, Blake will focus on creating scalable growth processes, furthering AlaTrade’s innovation efforts and identifying opportunities to better serve both existing and emerging customers.

“We’re thrilled to have Robert join AlaTrade Foods in this newly created role,” said Josh Whitley, CEO/president of AlaTrade Foods. “Robert has a contagious attitude and an amazing outlook on change and growth. He’s going to mesh really well with our team, and I look forward to all the advancements he’s going to make in improving our customer experience through new value-added products and services.” 

Blake brings decades of experience spanning operational retail, manufacturing, and sales. His background includes senior roles such as director of sales at Reily Foods Co.; vice president of sales and marketing/private label at Baumer Foods; senior director of business development at Diversified Foods & Seasonings; and director of corporate sales at L.H. Hayward & Co. He later led retail sales and customer service initiatives at House Autry Mills before most recently driving national retail growth at Kontos Foods.

Source: AlaTrade Foods Inc.