Romain Cools Retired from WPC

Following 16 years of dedicated service to the World Potato Congress Inc.'s Board of Directors, and the past four years as President, Romain Cools has decided to retire from WPC and stepped down as President and CEO of the World Potato Congress (WPC) Inc. on July 1, 2022.

According to his announcement, John Griffin became the new President and CEO of the World Potato Congress (WPC) Inc.

“John Griffin has been involved with the WPC Board of Directors since 2007 and for the past four years, he has served as Vice-President of the World Potato Congress Inc. Mr. Griffin resides in Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Mr. Griffin brings with him a vast knowledge of the potato industry as President of WP Griffin Inc., a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of potatoes. WP Griffin Inc. packages many different types of potatoes in various sizes and most recently launched microwaveable mini potatoes with various spices,” Romain Cools declared.

Also, Cools announced that Peter VanderZaag would be stepping into the role of Vice-President of the WPC Inc. VanderZaag is President and a partner in Sunrise Potato with his daughter Ruth and son-in-law Nick. He also serves as visiting professor at the Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, China.

“Peter has worked in over 60 countries around the world with the International Potato Centre (CIP) where he developed potato programs, and to improve crop management and potato production. His knowledge of the potato crop is recognized worldwide,” Cools added.

A graduate of Saint Mary's University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Business Administration and Data Processing in 1987, Griffin was named one of the top 50 CEO's in Atlantic Canada by specialized magazine on several occasions. He was also named innovator of the year in 2016.

Griffin has also served on the National Farm Products Council and has been a director of both the PEI Federation of Agriculture and the PEI Grain Elevator Corporation. He has also been involved with many organizations in the west prince area.

WPC Inc. is a non-profit organization established to bring together global potato industry leaders at our triennial congresses to create networking, increased trade, and business development opportunities.

The 12th World Potato Congress is held from June 23-26, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia.