In a strategic executive appointment that signals growing emphasis on regulatory excellence and corporate governance in the food sector, FiveStar Gourmet Foods has announced the addition of Liz Atlee to its leadership team as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the fresh food innovator, which continues to expand its national footprint through its Simply Fresh brand and cutting-edge food safety initiatives.
Strategic Leadership Addition Strengthens Food Safety Pioneer
FiveStar Gourmet Foods, headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California, has positioned itself at the forefront of the fresh prepared foods category, with a reputation built on culinary innovation and rigorous safety standards. The addition of Atlee—a veteran legal strategist with global expertise—underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance as it scales operations.
“Liz is a powerhouse legal strategist and ethical leader who will elevate our executive team and board,” said Tal Shoshan, CEO of FiveStar Gourmet Foods. “She brings the kind of experience, intellect, and regulatory clarity we need as we scale our operations and protect the integrity of our brand.”
Industry analysts note that executive appointments of this caliber reflect the increasing complexity of regulatory compliance in the food sector, particularly for companies experiencing rapid growth in the fresh prepared category, where safety standards are paramount.
Bringing Global Compliance Expertise to the Food Sector
Atlee joins FiveStar with an impressive background that spans multiple industries and global operations. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at CBRE, where she led a global compliance program operating across more than 100 countries. Her expertise encompasses critical areas that have become increasingly important in the food industry, including:
- Enterprise risk management
- Data and cyber protection
- Litigation strategy
- Regulatory policy
- Corporate governance
- Ethics program development
The transition from a global real estate services firm to a leading food innovator highlights the cross-industry demand for sophisticated compliance leadership. As food companies face evolving regulations around safety, labeling, sustainability, and supply chain transparency, executives with comprehensive risk management backgrounds are increasingly valuable.
Atlee’s academic credentials further cement her position as a thought leader in compliance and ethics. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. Notably, she continues to shape the next generation of legal professionals as an adjunct professor at USC Law, where she teaches corporate ethics and compliance.
Board Leadership and Community Engagement
Beyond her corporate roles, Atlee maintains active involvement with several prominent boards, including
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California
- USC Gould School of Law Board of Councilors
- Cyclum Renewables
- Clearbrief.ai
This board experience brings additional governance perspective to FiveStar’s leadership team and demonstrates Atlee’s commitment to both corporate excellence and community impact—values that align with FiveStar’s own corporate citizenship initiatives.
In her new role, Atlee will serve as corporate secretary to FiveStar’s Board of Directors, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to strong governance practices as it continues its growth trajectory.
FiveStar’s Expansion and Innovation Momentum
Atlee’s appointment coincides with a period of significant expansion for FiveStar Gourmet Foods. The company recently opened a state-of-the-art facility in Southern California, establishing a new flagship location that serves as a hub for innovation, production, and nationwide distribution of the company’s SF-360’s fresh food solutions.
The timing highlights how FiveStar is investing simultaneously in both physical infrastructure and leadership talent to support its ambitious growth plans. As consumer demand for convenient, fresh, and health-forward meal solutions continues to rise, FiveStar has positioned itself as a category leader through both culinary creativity and operational excellence.
“Joining FiveStar is an opportunity to be part of something truly transformative,” said Atlee. “The company is reimagining fresh food with unmatched integrity, agility, and purpose. I’m eager to support legal and regulatory excellence and help shape the future of a brand that genuinely cares about health, safety, and the communities it serves.”
Compliance as a Competitive Advantage in Food Innovation
The fresh prepared foods category represents one of the fastest-growing segments in food retail, with market analysts projecting continued expansion as consumers seek convenient options that don’t compromise on quality or nutritional value. However, this category also presents unique challenges related to food safety, shelf-life optimization, and regulatory compliance.
According to industry data compiled by Food & Beverage Magazine, companies that establish rigorous compliance frameworks are better positioned to navigate the complex regulatory landscape while maintaining the agility needed for innovation. In this context, Atlee’s appointment represents a strategic investment in FiveStar’s long-term competitive positioning.
“The most successful food innovators recognize that compliance isn’t just about checking regulatory boxes—it’s about building systems that allow for responsible growth and consumer trust,” explains industry consultant Margaret Wilson in a recent interview with Food & Beverage Magazine. “Companies that integrate compliance into their innovation DNA can move faster and with greater confidence.”
FiveStar’s Position in the Evolving Food Landscape
FiveStar Gourmet Foods has established itself as a leader in fresh, innovative meal solutions through its Simply Fresh branded offerings and private label partnerships. With facilities on both U.S. coasts, the company leverages culinary creativity while maintaining uncompromising food safety standards to deliver premium salads, meals, snacks, and fresh food experiences.
This dual-coast strategy allows FiveStar to efficiently serve national distribution channels while maintaining the product freshness essential to its brand promise. The company continues to redefine freshness in retail, foodservice, and beyond, with expansion into new product categories and distribution channels.
The addition of Atlee to the executive team signals FiveStar’s intention to build upon this foundation with heightened attention to governance and compliance frameworks that can support sustainable growth. As food safety regulations evolve and consumer expectations around transparency continue to rise, companies with robust legal and compliance leadership will maintain critical advantages.
Executive Leadership Trends in Food & Beverage
Atlee’s appointment also reflects broader executive leadership trends in the food and beverage industry. Companies across the sector are increasingly recruiting talent from adjacent industries to bring fresh perspectives and specialized expertise.
Recent executive appointments across the industry demonstrate how food companies are prioritizing skills in areas like digital transformation, sustainability, compliance, and global operations. A recent report from Food & Beverage Magazine highlighted how companies from Kroger to Sysco are reshaping their leadership teams to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
For FiveStar, Atlee’s background in global compliance programs and enterprise risk management brings valuable perspective at a time when food companies face increasingly complex regulatory requirements and heightened consumer expectations around transparency and safety.
Looking Forward: Impact on FiveStar’s Future
As FiveStar Gourmet Foods approaches the milestone of opening its 100th location, Atlee’s leadership in legal and compliance matters will help ensure the company maintains its commitment to quality and safety while pursuing ambitious growth plans.
The combination of FiveStar’s culinary innovation, operational excellence, and now strengthened legal and compliance leadership positions the company for continued success in the competitive fresh food marketplace. As consumer preferences continue to evolve toward convenient, nutritious, and transparently produced options, FiveStar’s strategic investments in both facilities and executive talent demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to category leadership.
To learn more about FiveStar Gourmet Foods and Simply Fresh, visit https://www.fivestargourmetfoods.com/.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector
