Deciding to turn the page is never easy, especially when you work for such a purpose-driven, incredible organization. As I look ahead to my last day on March 2, 2026, it is clear the past 5 and a half years with Ocean Spray Cranberries have been some of the most rewarding of my career. I step down knowing the opportunities ahead will be met by a world-class team. Thank you to all the amazing team members at Ocean Spray, and the farmer-owners who are the heart of our cooperative. I may be retiring from “the CEO life,” but the next chapter of my journey will include business and civic activities—and of course being part of all New England has to offer. It has been a true honor. #gratitude
Tom, a remarkable run and an even better legacy. You strengthened an iconic brand while staying true to what matters most—the farmer-owners and the people behind the product. That’s not easy, and it’s incredibly rare to do both at this level. Wishing you a well-earned next chapter, and congratulations on everything you’ve built at Ocean Spray!
Tom Hayes — congratulations and welcome to your coming future in the world of “rewirement”…a term shared with me by Jane P Gannaway when I entered this next chapter 5-years ago. The life-long learning journey continues…while you still give back to others.
It has been incredible seeing you develop a generation of high impact, values driven leaders across multiple companies. I remember learning an invaluable lesson many years ago when you spent as much time discussing each individual who was best suited to each role (and how to set them up for success!) as you did discussing the overall path forward for the company. Truly inspirational. Congrats on the journey and good luck with what is ahead!
Best wishes in your future endeavors. You have demonstrated that successful leadership skills are not industry specific, but universally effective!
If planned well and prepared you will never look back with regrets. This phase is really what it’s all about.
Tom, Under your leadership, we have reached a new level of partnership in our more than 30 years of collaboration. Our core competence in marketing cooperatives in Europe thrives on gaining a good understanding of the cooperative's strategy. Your efforts to bring us closer to the Grower Board and thus support the cooperative even better in marketing cranberries are very valuable to us and would not have been possible without your support. Thank you very much and all the best for the next phase of your life!
Congratulations Tom! There is much life after the food business, my golf game even improved!
Congratulations, Tom. You’ve had an awesome career! Happy to have had the chance to work with you-
Tom I have enjoyed your journey with Ocean Spray. You’ve shared Passion and Love for Cranberries. Especially how you elevated the Ocean Spray Family with Pride and Compassion. Enjoy your next opportunity as you have here.
Working under Tom’s leadership — even indirectly — was a privilege. He is a phenomenal CEO, but what always stood out to me was his kindness and the genuine way he supported people across the organization, whether they reported directly to him or not. I can say with confidence that Tom’s impact on the cooperative and on the broader industry will be felt for years to come. I’m sure his successor will follow the strong foundation he’s put in place, carrying forward the integrity, empathy, and forward‑thinking leadership Tom modeled so well. Wishing Tom all the best in this next chapter — and offering my sincere thanks for the way he led.