As the Director of E-Commerce at Wild Planet, Max Rudy is a dedicated advocate for ocean conservation and sustainable fishing practices. With a deep commitment to protecting our planet for future generations, Max has been instrumental in growing Wild Planet's online presence, making our full portfolio of ethically sourced seafood products accessible to conscious consumers nationwide. His unwavering dedication to Wild Planet's mission and magnetic spirit have positioned him as a force for positive change in the industry.

When I first received the call about a potential job opportunity at Wild Planet, I was skeptical. "I'm not working for a tuna company," I told the recruiter. "They're ruining the oceans." I had just watched a documentary about how wasteful tuna fishing practices like long-line fishing and purse seining with FADs (fish aggregating devices) were destroying marine ecosystems, depleting tuna populations, and harming other species through bycatch. I didn't believe any company could truly be different. But as I learned more about Wild Planet's genuine commitment to sustainability, selective harvesting, and their Greenpeace #1 ranking, I realized this company was different. They were the real deal.

What drew me to Wild Planet was the opportunity to provide healthy, sustainable nutrition to consumers, much like my previous work at a baby food company. Sustainability, to me, is about preserving our planet for future generations. It's a practical necessity – maintaining the delicate balance that allows life on Earth to thrive.

In my role as Director of E-Commerce, my mission is to make Wild Planet's entire product portfolio accessible online, not just our top selling products. By enhancing our digital presence with informative product descriptions, eye-catching visuals, and targeted advertising, we aim to empower consumers to make educated choices that align with their values and positively impact ocean health.

One of the most pivotal innovations in Wild Planet's history has been the introduction of our Ready-to-Eat Tuna Salad bowls. These convenient, healthy light meals feature our sustainably caught wild skipjack tuna paired with organic veggies, pasta, or legumes, all in a 100% recyclable package.

As a father, I'm proud to share these products with my own daughter, knowing that every purchase supports a brighter future for our oceans.

Looking ahead, I'm thrilled about the potential to deepen our relationships with our dedicated customers through exclusive offerings and personalized experiences. Imagine receiving a special edition variety pack featuring a curated selection of our finest sustainably caught seafood or being the first to sample a new limited-release product (because who doesn’t love feeling like a VIP?). By engaging more closely with our community, we can create a sense of partnership and shared purpose in our mission to protect the oceans.

As we continue to grow, I envision Wild Planet expanding our offerings to include engaging content and resources for our community. Perhaps a recipe app to inspire creative meal ideas, a cookbook filled with sustainable seafood dishes, or even a barcode scanner to provide instant access to product sourcing information and environmental impact data.

At Wild Planet, we're not just selling seafood; we're inviting conscious consumers to join us in our mission to protect the oceans and nourish future generations. It's a responsibility and a privilege that drives me every day – even on Mondays.

Sincerely,
Max Rudy
Director of E-Commerce, Wild Planet Foods

In the following Q&A, Max shares more about his passion for sustainability, his favorite Wild Planet products, and his vision for the future of the brand. His responses offer a glimpse into the dedication and thoughtfulness that drive Wild Planet's mission to preserve our oceans' vitality.

Q: What is your favorite Wild Planet product and why?

A: I absolutely love our anchovies in extra virgin olive oil. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is by making boquerones, a classic Spanish tapas dish. I create a marinade with olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, then let the anchovies soak in that mixture for about 30 minutes before serving them on top of crusty bread. The combination of flavors is simply magical. 

For a more versatile pantry staple, I always keep a few cans of our 2.8oz skipjack tuna in olive oil on hand. Not only is it delicious on its own, but it's also perfect for elevating salads, pasta dishes, and sandwiches. Plus, I feel good knowing that every can supports sustainable fishing practices and the health of our oceans – it's like a tasty little high-five for the planet.

Q: Do you have a favorite recipe using Wild Planet products?

A: Definitely the Catalan-style boquerones I mentioned earlier. It's a traditional Spanish appetizer where the anchovies are marinated in a mix of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and parsley, then served as a tapa. The bright, briny flavors of the anchovies really shine through.

Another go-to recipe in my household is a Mediterranean tuna salad featuring our 2.8oz skipjack tuna. I mix the tuna with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, then dress it with a simple lemon vinaigrette. It's a light, refreshing meal that's packed with protein and healthy fats. My wife and daughter love it!

Q: Why do you enjoy working at Wild Planet?

A: I love working for a company that produces a net positive change in society. Knowing that every can of Wild Planet tuna or salmon represents a step towards healthier oceans and a more sustainable future is incredibly fulfilling. It's a mission I deeply believe in.

As a marketer, I also appreciate that we have the best story and the best-tasting products. Being able to share the incredible quality and sustainability of our seafood with consumers is a joy. When I hear from customers who have discovered a new favorite product or feel empowered to make more eco-conscious choices because of Wild Planet, it reinforces that we're making a real difference – and that feels better than finding a surprise $20 in your pocket.

Q: Can you share any pivotal turning points in Wild Planet's history?

A: The launch of our Ready-to-Eat tuna meals was a game-changer. Not only do they provide a healthy, sustainable option for on-the-go eating, but the packaging is also 100% recyclable. Eliminating plastic waste while still offering convenience to our customers was a significant milestone for Wild Planet.

This innovation demonstrates our commitment to finding solutions that benefit both people and the planet. By making sustainable seafood accessible in new formats and channels, we can invite more consumers to join our mission and amplify our positive impact on ocean health.

Q: What excites you most about Wild Planet's future?

A: The potential for direct-to-consumer growth and deeper customer engagement is incredibly exciting. As we continue to build our online presence, we have the opportunity to connect with our most passionate supporters in new and meaningful ways beyond just the occasional "like" or emoji comment.

I envision offering exclusive product bundles and limited-edition items that cater to the unique preferences and values of our loyal community. Imagine receiving a personalized variety pack featuring your favorite Wild Planet products, curated based on your past purchases and feedback. Or being among the first to sample a new, innovative product line before it hits store shelves.

By fostering a sense of collaboration and insider access, we can create an even stronger bond with our customers and empower them to become ambassadors for our mission. The more we can tailor our offerings and experiences to their needs and desires, the greater impact we can have together in promoting sustainable fishing and protecting our oceans, and that’s a future worth getting excited about.

Q: What does sustainability mean to you and why is it important?

A: To me, sustainability is a practical necessity. It means ensuring that our actions today don't compromise the ability of future generations to thrive. As a father, I feel a deep responsibility to protect the planet for my daughter and children everywhere.

Nobody wants to live in a world where "fish" is just a myth we tell our grandkids about. When it comes to seafood, sustainability is about maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. It's about fishing in a way that allows fish populations to regenerate and thrive, while also minimizing harm to other species and habitats. By supporting sustainable fishing practices, we're investing in the long-term health and abundance of our oceans.

As consumers, every choice we make sends a signal to the market. By choosing sustainably caught seafood, we're voting with our dollars for a future where our oceans are vibrant and resilient. It's a simple but powerful way to make a difference.

Q: What do you wish consumers knew about fishing, ocean health or environmental sustainability?

A: I wish more people understood the true cost of cheap, unsustainable tuna. When you see a can of tuna for $1.50 at the store, it's easy to think you're getting a great deal. But the reality is, we all pay a much higher price in the long run.

Destructive fishing practices like purse seining with FADs (fish aggregating devices) not only deplete tuna populations but also result in high levels of bycatch, harming other marine species like sharks, turtles, and juvenile fish. This collateral damage disrupts the balance of entire ecosystems and throws off the delicate "circle of life" vibes that Mufasa was always going on about.

In contrast, Wild Planet uses selective, sustainable fishing methods like pole and line and trolling, which target specific species and sizes of fish with minimal bycatch. We also partner with small-scale fisheries that support local communities and economies because sustainability isn't just about the environment; it's about people, too.

By choosing sustainably caught seafood, consumers can feel good knowing that their purchase aligns with their values and contributes to a healthier, more resilient future for our oceans. It's an investment worth making.

Q: Any special Wild Planet memories you'd like to share?

A: One of my proudest moments was representing Wild Planet on a panel at Expo West, the largest natural products trade show in the world. Having the opportunity to share our brand's mission and values alongside industry leaders was an incredible honor.

I remember feeling so grateful to be part of a company that's making a real, tangible difference in the world. Speaking about our commitment to sustainability and ocean health on such a prominent platform reinforced the importance and urgency of our work.

Another special memory is the first time I shared our products with my daughter. Seeing her excitement and curiosity as she tried each one, and knowing that I was nurturing her love for healthy, sustainable food, was a profound moment for me as a father. It reminded me that the choices we make today have a direct impact on the world our children will inherit.