Food Centre announces new president

The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre (Food Centre) appoints Dr. Mehmet Tulbek as the Food Centre’s new president, effective January 31, 2022.

Dr. Tulbek brings over 20 years of agricultural business and leadership experience to the Food Centre. His expertise in global research and development, business development and international technical education in pulses, cereals, oilseeds, and plant-based foods will assist the Food Centre to excel into the future.

Prior to joining the Food Centre, Dr. Tulbek worked at AGT Food and Ingredients, one of the largest suppliers of value-added pulses, staple foods and food ingredients as their director of research and development.

“I am extremely honoured and proud to lead the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre and work with the dedicated world-class team to support the momentum the organization exhibited over the last two decades. I look forward to working with our board of directors, members, partners, stakeholders and clients to help build the future of the Saskatchewan and Canadian agri-food ecosystem,” said Dr. Tulbek.

“Our board is pleased to welcome Mehmet to lead the Food Centre in continuing the organization’s success in the food industry, locally and globally. Mehmet was a member of our board of directors for over five years, and we are confident that Mehmet’s experience and passion for the food industry make him extremely well suited to lead the Food Centre into the future,” said Jason Skotheim, chair of the Food Centre’s board of directors.

Mehmet is taking over from Dan Prefontaine, who has served as president since 2000. Prefontaine was instrumental to the Food Centre’s tremendous growth and success. “On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Dan for his leadership in shaping the Food Centre into a world-class facility that it is today. We wish him all the best in his retirement and future endeavours,” said Skotheim.