Trident Seafoods has announced changes to its board of directors, with longtime member Jim McManus retiring after decades of involvement in the company and the fishing industry. Mike Quinn, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer, is rejoining the board.
Jim McManus’s career began after moving from Idaho to Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood in the 1960s. He started as a journeyman at Caterpillar, focusing on marine propulsion and power generation. After recovering from a serious motorcycle accident, he pursued crab fishing in Alaska during the 1970s, eventually becoming a licensed captain and part-owner of a fishing vessel. Over time, he operated vessels across several fisheries in Alaska.
In 1991, Trident founders Chuck Bundrant and Kaare Ness selected McManus to manage the company’s catcher fleet. Under his leadership, the fleet grew significantly. He also served as president of Royal Viking Inc., a subsidiary of Trident Seafoods, and helped establish the Akutan Catcher Vessel Association.
“Jim has been one of the most important mentors in my life,” said Joe Bundrant, CEO of Trident Seafoods. “Over decades, his care, wisdom and steady presence shaped who I am. Not just as a leader at Trident, but as a husband, father, grandfather and friend.”
McManus joined Trident’s board in 2016 and has held various leadership roles within industry organizations beyond his work at Trident.
“Our family will always be grateful for the way Jim looked out for my dad, Chuck, especially during his final years,” added Bundrant. “Jim’s loyalty, compassion and integrity define the very best of our industry, and I will forever be thankful to call him a mentor and a friend. I wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
With McManus retiring from the board, Mike Quinn is returning as director after serving five years previously before taking on executive duties as COO until late 2025.
“We are truly glad to welcome Mike back in this capacity,” said Bundrant. “He brings deep operational expertise, a strong understanding of Trident’s business, and a longstanding commitment to our people and values. His return to Trident’s board is a meaningful one, and we’re thankful to once again benefit from his experience, perspective and leadership.”
Trident Seafoods is recognized as North America’s largest vertically integrated seafood harvesting and processing company. The privately held firm operates internationally with facilities or partners in ten countries and supplies nearly sixty global markets through its headquarters in Seattle.