Dick Jones while he was still CEO of Blue Ocean Mariculture.
Photo: Blue Ocean Mariculture.
The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Sushi Council has named former Blue Ocean Mariculture CEO Dick Jones as its new executive director.
Announcing the appointment, the Council said Jones will lead efforts to grow membership, enhance visibility, and take forward industry initiatives on food safety and responsible sourcing.
Jones is a seafood and aquaculture executive with nearly four decades of experience, having worked across the private, non-profit, and retail sectors. He is also CEO of ocean food consultancy Tidepoint Group, which is supporting the Council’s operations.
“The Sushi Council is entering an exciting new chapter as we grow membership, strengthen industry leadership on food safety, and build sushi’s place as a vibrant and expanding category,” Jones said in a statement. “I’m honoured to help shape this effort and to work alongside our members to advance responsible sourcing, ensure product integrity, and bring greater value to everyone who enjoys and serves sushi.”
Before joining the Council, Jones served as CEO of Blue Ocean Mariculture, where he oversaw business growth and innovation in sustainable marine fish production. In June 2025, he announced he was leaving the company to focus on his Tidepoint consultancy, and said at the time he was "open to new collaborations, conversations, and opportunities to contribute to this dynamic space."
His previous roles also include leadership positions at Ocean Outcomes, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, HEB Grocery Company, and Whole Foods Market.
In his new capacity, Jones will collaborate with NFI staff, the Sushi Council chair, and its executive committee to develop membership and guide technical programmes.
“Dick Jones brings a rare combination of retail, nonprofit, and aquaculture leadership to the NFI Sushi Council,” said Council Chairman Michael McNicholas of Oddisea USA. “His experience building coalitions, advancing food safety, and championing sustainability will ensure the Council continues to deliver value for members and set a strong course for the future of sushi in the U.S. market.”
The NFI Sushi Council is a precompetitive platform convening stakeholders from across the sushi supply chain in the United States to promote best practices, ensure product integrity, and serve as a unified voice for the industry.
