Melissa Murphy, StarKist Co. Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Human Resources, Wins 'Best Executive' at The 7th Annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 24, 2010 /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 international Stevie Awards for Women in Business in the Best Executive (Non-Services Businesses – More than 2,500 Employees) category.  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.

"To be recognized for my accomplishments by the Stevie Awards, and to be in the company of such a highly esteemed group of talented and successful women, is truly an honor," said Murphy.  "I look forward to many more years in the industry, continuing to strengthen StarKist's leadership in innovation and consumer trust."  

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.  

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business is an international competition recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding women executives, entrepreneurs, and the organizations they run.   The awards are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards(SM).  

Stevie Awards were handed out in categories including Best Entrepreneur, Best Executive, Lifetime Achievement, and Women Helping Women at the gala event at New York's Marriott Marquis Hotel on November 12.  More than 1,200 entries from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration.  

Finalists in the competition were chosen by business professionals worldwide during preliminary judging in September and October.  Final judging was conducted by members of the awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors in late October to select Stevie Award winners from among the finalists.

Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of honorees are available at www.stevieawards.com/women.  

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com. Sponsors of the 7th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business include the Business TalkRadio Network and KeyBank.  Localization partner of the 2010 Stevie Awards is Lionbridge.

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, who swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. For more information on the Company, visit starkist.com. StarKist Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.

SOURCE StarKist Co.