Joe Zhou is senior director of seafood procurement at Darden, where his responsibilities include ensuring the supply of seafood to the 1,700 restaurants in the world's largest casual-dining restaurant company. Since his work entails building long-term partnerships, Zhou works daily with seafood stakeholders from major processors to farmers, fishermen, importers and distributors. 

Born in China, Zhou has lived in the United States for 25 years. He is a strategic planner with a passionate belief in sustainability. He and his team have established one of the largest three-star BAP-certified shrimp supplier networks. Zhou currently serves as chairman of the Shrimp Council of the National Fisheries Institute.