US-based VITA Foods has named David Allen as a board member and chairman of the company’s audit committee.


Allen, managing partner with consultants Lake Pointe Partners, has worked for “turnaround management firms”, as well as working for Arthur Andersen & Co. and Sara Lee Corp.


Last week, Vita, which operates in seafood and speciality food, posted a rise in first-half profits despite stagnant sales.


A tight control on costs and the disposal of “unprofitable” businesses boosted earnings. Vita posted a 28% leap in operating profit to US$973,000 for the six months to the end of June.


Net sales came in at $24.5m, compared to $24.6m a year earlier.