March 18/Food Business Week -- Jones Soda Co. appointed Joth Ricci president and chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2009. Ricci, who has served as the company s chief operating officer since January 22, 2008, succeeds Stephen Jones, who is stepping down but will continue as a member of the board of directors.

Prior to joining Jones Soda, Ricci served as general manager of Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Distributing Company. During his time with Columbia Distributing, Ricci also held the position of vice president of Human Resources & Process Improvement, as well as regional vice president of Sales & Marketing. Before joining Columbia Distributing, he spent more than nine years with McNeil Consumer Healthcare/Johnson & Johnson in various Sales and marketing management roles.

"Joth has proven his ability to execute over the course of this transitional year, and we are confident that he is the right choice to lead the ongoing evolution and development of Jones Soda," said Steve Jones. "I have truly enjoyed my time as CEO, and I look forward to my continued participation in shaping this company's exciting future through my role on the board."

Ricci added, "This appointment is a real honor, and I am excited take the reins of what I believe to be one of the most innovative companies in the consumer product space. During the past 12-months, Steve has overseen the successful restructuring of Jones Soda while laying the framework for a brighter future. Our entire organization has a renewed sense of optimism about the potential of this business, and we move forward committed to capitalizing on the many opportunities still in front of us."

From the March 30, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition