Billerica, MA-based food brokerage firm JOH announced two key leadership changes to its management structure. Effective January 1, 2025, John Saidnawey will become executive chairman of the board and Matt O’Hare will be promoted to chief executive officer. O’Hare will become just the fourth CEO in the 68-year history of the organization.
John Saidnawey began his career at JOH in 1982 as a retail merchandiser. He held various positions within the company including account executive, account manager and EVP-health, beauty and wellness before being promoted to president and COO in 2010 and then to chairman and CEO in 2017. Working closely with Chip O’Hare (Matt O’Hare’s father, who remains chairman emeritus of JOH) and Matt O’Hare, Saidnawey helped lead the firm’s expansion to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, Chicago, and the North Central region. Other highlights of his career include working closely with the OSMG Partners to establish its national footprint. He also led the creation of Kids 360, JOH’s charity, which has donated more than $750,000 to children’s charities across the country. Above all, the Belmont, MA native has worked diligently to ensure that the preservation of the unique culture that defines JOH remained a top priority. As executive chairman, Saidnawey will provide oversight, strategic guidance and board leadership, while actively supporting O’Hare, as well as continuing to build the OSMG companies.
“For 68 years, JOH has proudly honored the legacy of our founder, Harry O’Hare, as a company dedicated to growing our clients’ and customers’ businesses while taking great care of our associates,” said Saidnawey. “It is, and will always remain, an honor and a privilege to work alongside Chip, Matt, and the most talented associates in the business.
“Matt and our leadership team are well positioned to lead our company and continue to deliver excellence in service across all areas. The foundation of JOH’s culture is our people and our commitment to selling rights. I am confident in Matt’s ability to lead JOH into a bright future. I am looking forward to my new role and fully supporting Matt and our incredible teams.
Matt O’Hare grew up in the business and has had many responsibilities at JOH since joining full-time in 2011. Since then, he has held the positions of account executive, director of frozen and dairy, SVP-corporate development and, for the last seven years, president and COO. According to JOH, as CEO, O’Hare will steer the company’s overarching direction, spearhead strategic initiatives, and foster growth. The company added that throughout his career, O’Hare has proven himself a dynamic, passionate and inspiring leader. He has held board leadership positions with the National Frozen & Refrigerated Association, Massachusetts Food Association, New England Food Foundation, Frozen and Refrigerated Association of the Northeast, and NextUp New England.
“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to help lead and serve our wonderful company toward many more years of growth for our clients and customers,” said the third-generation executive. “I would like to thank my father, Chip, for always being there for me both personally and professionally; John, for his steadfast mentorship over the years; and our leadership team for their continuous support. We will continue to be guided by our unwavering mission – to foster growth for those we serve while prioritizing the well-being and success of our incredible JOH associates.”
