Melissa Murphy, StarKist Co. Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Human Resources, Named Pittsburgh Business Times 'Women in Business' Award Winner

PITTSBURGH, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- StarKist Co., a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States, announced today that Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Human Resources, Melissa Murphy, was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as one of the region's top 15 business women.  A seasoned and well-respected professional with more than 20 years of experience, Murphy is an outstanding leader who consistently demonstrates passion, enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence in everything she does.  In addition, she stands out as one of the very few female executives in the seafood industry.

"It is truly an honor to be recognized as a Pittsburgh Business Times 'Women in Business' winner and to be in the company of such an impressive group of talented and successful women," said Murphy.  "You don't have to live in New York or Los Angeles to do work that has a national and international impact.  I've had the opportunity to build a dynamic career in this city and I look forward to many more years in the seafood industry, continuing to strengthen StarKist's leadership in innovation and consumer trust."  

The "Women in Business" award is one of two professional honors that Murphy received this week.  On Tuesday, March 15, Murphy was presented with a City of Pittsburgh Proclamation by Councilman Patrick Dowd in honor of Women's History Month, and in recognition of her outstanding professional achievements.  Within the past year, Murphy: has been recognized by the international Stevie Awards for Women in Business in the Best Executive category; and, was one of six prominent women leaders to be recognized during the 2010 Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Awards, which is recognized internationally as the premier honor for excellence in leadership among business, professional and community leaders.

A Driving Force Behind StarKist's Success

Murphy is a driving force behind StarKist's growth and success.  She was specifically tapped to help lead the new StarKist Co.'s transition from domestic tuna manufacturing to a global seafood brand.  In less than two years, she: spearheaded critical milestones, from building a team of less than 10 to more than 100 employees; oversaw all government affairs activities; shaped the company's corporate responsibility efforts; led a multi-million dollar headquarters office relocation and build-out; established the company's mission, vision and values; and successfully directed all corporate and brand-specific communication and public relations efforts.  Melissa drives the company culture at StarKist; she is a role model and a respected leader who is known to be action-oriented, ethical and hardworking.

More about Melissa Murphy

Melissa's career in public relations began shortly after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and minors in Business, Communications, and English Literature.  She gained valuable experience in the consumer packaging goods industry at several public relations firms before becoming Vice President, Group Manager of Ketchum Public Relations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1995.  Melissa managed Ketchum's Brand and Food & Nutrition Practice areas, developing new product launch campaigns, coordinating special events, and monitoring several brands, including StarKist and other Heinz Brands.

In 2003, Melissa made the move to Del Monte Foods to become Vice President, Corporate Communications.  She built the Del Monte brand both internally and externally, developing a new mission and vision for the Company and leading employee communications.  Melissa managed the launch of StarKist Tuna Creations while leading brand media strategies and relations for Del Monte Foods.  Melissa joined StarKist in 2008 as the Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs/HR where she oversees government relations, human resources, media relations and consumer affairs.

About StarKist

StarKist Co. is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable seafood products in the United States.  A category leader in innovation, StarKist was the first brand to introduce the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch®; StarKist Tuna Creations®, a line of lightly marinated tuna; and, a dolphin-safe policy. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a 65-year tradition of quality, innovation and consumer trust and is well known for its charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna.  Charlie swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is celebrating 50 years of good taste this year. For more information on the Company, visit starkist.com. StarKist Co. is a subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.

SOURCE StarKist Co.