Portland, OR — Ingredient supplier Icon Foods has hired Rick Hanson in the role of director of operations. Hanson has more than 20 years of operations experience in both large public and small private equity firms, including industrial manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, complex electro-mechanical and biotech. Most recently he was a site leader and operations manager for Amazon, where he oversaw the execution of all business, technical and fiscal functions of its Portland fulfillment center, including its grocery center.
“We warmly welcome Rick Hanson to our team and look forward to the contributions he will make,” says Thom King, CEO of Icon Foods. “With his impressive background and proven track record in managing complex operations, Rick will play a pivotal role in strengthening our position as a reliable and innovative ingredient supplier to food and beverage manufacturers.”
Hanson will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations, including supply chain management as well as regulatory compliance and certifications, including Kosher, organic, non-GMO and QAI. He will also lead efforts for labor, material and process improvement and drive other continuous improvement initiatives.
“I am happy to join Icon Foods and contribute to a team that answers the need for clean label sugar reduction,” Hanson says. “Thom’s passion to ‘do the right thing’ permeates the culture of the company, and their commitment to a never-ending improvement approach strongly resonates with me.”
Hanson holds an MBA from Capella University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Metropolitan State University. He is a certified change management professional (PROSCI) and has completed various management and operations efficiency certifications.
