Operations & Transformation Executive (Food/Protein)

PIERRE ROUSSEAU

Plano / Dallas, TX +1-224-***-**** ***********@*****.*** LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-rousseau-6890ba29 Fully authorized to work in the United States — No sponsorship required PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Operations and Transformation Executive with 30+ years leading agribusiness, food processing, protein, FMCG, and distribution enterprises at scale. Directed operations exceeding $180M in revenue, led workforces of 500+, and managed $120M+ capital projects through greenfield facility launches, multi-site P&L ownership, and large-scale turnarounds. Proven ability to build high- performance teams, enforce capital and operational discipline, optimize supply chains, and deliver measurable growth in complex, regulated environments. Ready to apply this track record to U.S. food manufacturing, protein processing, and industrial operations roles.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic Execution & Growth • Multi-Site Operations Management • Full P&L Responsibility • Greenfield Facility Launches • Supply Chain & Logistics Optimization • Cost Reduction & Capital Governance • Union Relations & Labor Negotiations • Continuous Improvement • Executive Leadership • Budgeting & Forecasting • Cross-Functional Team Building • Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Program Director / Chief Operating Officer

MENA Foods (MENA Region) 09/2022 – 08/2025

• Directed end-to-end operational design, construction, and corporate setup of a vertically integrated meat processing facility, delivering a greenfield project from concept through commissioning.

• Managed a $120M CapEx budget with rigorous governance over global equipment suppliers, contractors, and international compliance standards, ensuring project discipline and cost control.

• Achieved facility commissioning targets supporting throughput of 480 cattle and 4,000 sheep per day, establishing capacity for large-scale protein production.

• Implemented business systems for high compliance, sustainability, and cross-border logistics, enabling weekly distribution of 2.2M lbs (1M kg) of product.

• Built a high-performance workforce of 500+ employees from the ground up, installing accountability, safety, and operational discipline systems.

Founder & Managing Principal

Rossco Consulting, South Africa 03/2013 – 08/2022

• Provided strategy-to-execution consulting for industrial, agri-processing, FMCG, logistics, and technology clients across Africa and the Middle East, focusing on operational transformation and growth.

• Led greenfield development for a U.S.-based agribusiness investment company in Tanzania, applying capital project and operational startup discipline in an emerging market.

• Advised on turnaround and restructuring of a mining-sector software business and multiple industrial clients, delivering improved operational and financial performance.

Division CEO (Beef) / Managing Director

CBH Group Ltd (Publicly Listed Agribusiness), South Africa 10/2008 – 02/2013

• Launched and scaled a new beef division within a publicly listed agribusiness, delivering sustainable returns through disciplined P&L management, budgeting, and leadership cadence.

• Directed design and construction of a new deboning plant that expanded capacity and product capability, strengthening competitive positioning.

• Established a new retail arm that expanded market reach and diversified revenue streams into higher-value channels. Managing Director

Crafcor Group, South Africa 06/2006 – 04/2008

• Directed two operating companies with 600 employees and combined turnover of approximately $180M, consistently achieving profit, cash, and growth targets.

• Strengthened manufacturing discipline and supply-chain performance by installing clear targets, cross-functional execution, and accountability systems.

• Launched a new retail-ready fresh meat brand that expanded market presence and supported premium channel growth. Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Coldline (Pty) Ltd, Botswana 04/2002 – 04/2006

• Founded, scaled, and successfully exited a premier distribution business that reached $30M annual turnover and became Botswana’s largest poultry distributor and beef wholesaler.

• Secured high-volume partnerships with major South African retail chains (Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Spar, Metro) and foodservice operators (Sun International, Nando’s), building a robust multi-channel network. Managing Director / President

Senn Foods (DBH Group), Botswana 02/1993 – 03/2002

• Promoted to lead the group’s largest strategic business unit (~$70M turnover), managing two processing/distribution centers and 17 retail butcheries.

• Drove 700% turnover growth and 600% expansion in processed meat manufacturing output, securing an 80% dominant market share.

• Project-managed construction of a state-of-the-art abattoir and comprehensive expansion of the processed meat plant.

• Successfully navigated complex industrial relations and wage negotiations for a 400-person, 90% unionized workforce. General Manager

Prime Dairies (Pty) Ltd (DBH Group), Botswana 09/1991 – 01/1993

• Executed an immediate operational turnaround of a loss-making fresh milk and dairy by-product processor (unprofitable for four consecutive years), restoring the business to healthy profitability within six months. EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Advanced Management Program (Postgraduate) — Potchefstroom Business School, North-West University Honors / Distinctions: Strategic Leadership, Formulation of Strategy, Applied E-Business Strategy, Strategic Financial Support. Awarded Best Strategic Plan.

B.Com (Partial) — Rand Afrikaans University (RAU)

LEADERSHIP AFFILIATIONS

Former Board Member, South African Red Meat Abattoirs Association • Former Board Member & Treasurer, Harvest Christian Church

(Botswana) • Former Consultative Committee Member, Botswana Agricultural Act Review TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY

Enterprise Systems (ERP): SAP, ACCPAC, Pastel Evolution, Meat Matrix • Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) • Agile & Scrum Methodologies

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