Management Team

Sam Diab is the President and CEO of Highbury Canco Corporation. He was born and raised in Leamington, ON and attended the University of Windsor for a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. Sam started his career in 2003 at Nemak as a financial analyst. In 2005, Sam joined HJ Heinz in their Leamington facility, following in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather. Over the next 10 years, Sam worked in various roles including: Senior Supply Chain, Procurement, Risk Management and Manufacturing roles. In 2014, Sam co-founded Highbury Canco, successfully negotiated an agreement to acquire the Leamington facility, and has served as President and CEO since HCC’s inception.

When not at work, Sam enjoys coaching and playing hockey, and spending time with his wife and four children.

As Vice President of Supply Chain at Highbury Canco, John oversees many of the daily functions around the warehouse and factory at Highbury. John graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering and started at Heinz’s Leamington operations in 2001 as a Production Planner. Over the years, John held various positions within Heinz, with roles assisting in Production Planning, Engineering, Global SAP Roll-out, Continuous Improvement, and Production. As an expert in ingredient sourcing and material planning, John’s focus on success drives the future of Highbury Canco.

In his free time, John enjoys taking to the skies as he earns his pilot’s license, and spending time with his wife, daughters and his golden retriever.

Director of Quality and ORM for Highbury Canco since 2014, Jamie has been a leader in driving the organization’s food safety and quality culture. Born and raised in Leamington, Jamie left to pursue a Bachelor of Science from Brock University before returning to the area and embarking on 20-year career in the food canning industry. Having spent time in Research and Development, Operations, Quality and Food Safety positions he has a broad knowledge of quality system and regulatory requirements. As a member of the Institute for Thermal Process Specialists since 2001 he has developed expertise in risk mitigation and controls relative to the processing of high and low acid canned foods.

Outside of work, Jamie enjoys staying active and travelling with his wife and two children.

As Highbury Canco’s Research and Development Manager, Ricardo supervises the development of all of Highbury’s products. From the initial concept, all the way to product commercialization, Ricardo and his team manage all facets of product development including product data management ensuring compliance at all levels. Ricardo’s background as a Chemical Engineer has helped him grow with over 20 years of experience in the Food and Pharmaceutical industries, namely Cadbury and Heinz, in which he held roles in Research & Development, Engineering and Production.

Originally from Argentina, Ricardo now resides in Kingsville, ON. When not at Highbury, Ricardo enjoys practising Astronomy in his backyard, reading and spending time with his wife and sons.

With over 20 years of sales experience in Consumer Packaged Goods, Ann Marie has extensive practice growing market shares at Retail banners across Canada. With a focus for delivering results through strategic leadership and a passion for finding solutions, Ann Marie enjoys the challenge of discovering new opportunities to cultivate and succeed. Prior to joining Highbury, Ann Marie spent several years at Heinz where she managed and developed key National brands at Canada’s major Retailers. Rounding out her proficiencies, Ann Marie also has experience in Sales Planning, SAP implementation and Sales Brand Management.

A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Ann Marie skated for the University team as well as performed in Ice Shows. Though her skating days are behind her, Ann Marie is an enthusiastic cyclist and downhill skier.

Mike was thrilled to join Highbury Canco in 2016 as their Director of Marketing and Foodservice Business Development. Prior to joining HCC, Mike spent over 18 years in Canada and the US exclusively managing foodservice businesses through various positions with the Kraft Heinz company. During his career, Mike has had the privilege of working with many strong customer brands along with some highly recognizable national brands.

While born in Montreal, Mike has called London, ON home for close to 20 years. Married with two kids and a passionate devotee for all things sport, Mike still enjoys playing hockey, and when time permits, a round of golf with friends.

Bob graduated from the University of Windsor with a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and since then has completed his SCMP and CPSM designations. With over 20 years of experience from working with the H.J. Heinz Company, Bob’s skill set in Manufacturing, Maintenance and Procurement make him an expert in ingredient and material sourcing. Starting at Highbury as a Supply Chain Project Manager and transitioning to their Director-Supply Chain, Bob is an asset to the Supply Chain division of the company.

In his spare time, Bob enjoys practicing the art of karaoke.