Porta names new president
Jason Cassidy is now president of Porta after serving as its GM for more than two and a half years. One of the founding partners, Cassidy now leads the premium, omni-channel, CPG frozen food business.
Before co-founding Porta, Cassidy worked as vice president of marketing strategy at Tim Hortons. He also previously worked as head of marketing for Yum! brands, KFC and Pizza Hut where he oversaw the promotional marketing calendar, channel management and strategy, pricing, media, eCommerce, performance marketing, delivery and several strategic technology initiatives.
Porta currently offers a range of frozen pizzas, pasta kits, raviolis and desserts, and is available in select retailers across Canada. The brand is planning to expand stateside this summer.
Venturepark Labs renews Sobeys partnership
CPG ecosystem Venturepark Labs, is renewing its partnership with Sobeys, initially forged in 2020.
The partnership will continue to propel local consumer-packaged goods entrepreneurs across Canada from the ideation phase to commercialization through a range of programs, including Venturepark’s concept to market sprint program, its food incubator and commercial kitchen, and the accelerator program.
“Canada is a resource-rich nation and a breeding ground for entrepreneurship and innovation,” says Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venturepark Labs. “We are proud to renew our partnership with Sobeys, a testament of our shared commitment to championing Canadian entrepreneurs and the commercialization of their products.”
“With the invaluable support from Venturepark Labs, many of these brands gain crucial insights before hitting retail shelves,” says Rob Allsop, vice president of national sourcing and supplier engagement at Sobeys.
Canada Basketball names VP
Stephanie Withall has joined Canada Basketball as vice president of partnerships and operations, effective immediately.
Reporting to the president and CEO, Withall will lead the organization’s business, partnership and event operations. Withall will focus on the organization’s developing partnership and fundraising strategies while driving commercial opportunities through a robust event management and community engagement strategy.
Withall is no stranger to working in Canadian sports, previously holding an associate vice president of global partnerships role with the Canadian Football League. Prior to joining the CFL, Withall also worked for a decade at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in several critical roles on its Global Partnerships Team.
