Payne Simpson Appointed Director of Corporate Affairs

Baltimore, MD. – October 12, 2026 – Phillips Foods and Seafood Restaurants, the family-owned company with a 100-year history of delivering quality seafood in Maryland, today announced the appointment of Payne Simpson as Director of Corporate Affairs.

In this role, Simpson will manage key corporate affairs spanning governance administration, stakeholder relations, corporate and customer communication programs and public relations. Working closely with executive leadership and teams across the organization, Simpson will strengthen relationships with customers, business partners and media contacts.

“Throughout our history, Phillips Foods has been guided by a commitment to quality, strong relationships and the values that come with being a family-owned business,” said Brice Phillips, CEO of Phillips Foods. “As our company continues to evolve, effective communication remains essential to our success. We are pleased to welcome Payne to this role and look forward to the contributions she will make in supporting our business.”

As Director of Corporate Affairs, Simpson will oversee corporate communications and media relations, including press releases, executive messaging and media outreach initiatives aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. She will manage corporate records, contracts, governance documentation and compliance-related activities, helping maintain the processes and documentation that support Phillips Foods’ business operations.

Additionally, Simpson will lead customer communication programs and support customer and business partner relationships through contract administration, compliance communications, product announcements and operational updates. The role will collaborate with management teams in Asia and Canada on social codes of conduct, sustainability initiatives and environmental audits, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible business practices and effective collaboration across its global operations.

Simpson initially joined Phillips Foods in 2023 as a Contract Administrator. Prior to joining Phillips, Payne was a financial analyst with the Baltimore Country Club and has also held Leadership and Senior Program Assistant roles with Morgan Stanley and the Institute of International Finance, respectively.

About Phillips Foods
Phillips Foods is a family-owned business founded in 1914 and recognized as a leading importer of crab meat in the United States. Best known for their premium blue swimming crab meat and famous crab cakes, Phillips also produces a full range of seafood cakes, appetizers, soups and entrées for foodservice and retail, plus a growing line of lobster products sustainably sourced from North Atlantic lobsters. Learn more at phillipsfoods.com.