LANDING, NEW JERSEY – November 12, 2025 – Bono USA, Sicily’s largest producer of extra virgin olive oil, today announced a new leadership structure designed to support its continued expansion and position the company for sustained long-term growth.
Jon Kalina has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bono USA, previously serving as Vice President of Sales Strategy. Salvatore Russo-Tiesi, who has successfully led the company through a period of exceptional growth as President & CEO, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Mark Gorton will serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Under the new structure, Kalina will oversee sales, finance, and overall team development, while Russo-Tiesi will focus on sourcing, operations, and product innovation. The company’s new CFO will play a critical role in ensuring sound financial planning and disciplined growth as Bono USA continues to expand its national footprint.
“This is not simply a staffing change we’re making, it’s a strategic evolution for the company,” said Kalina. “As Bono USA keeps growing, we will ensure our reorganized formal structure and leadership remain clearly aligned to sustain the momentum we have built. This new organization allows us to scale effectively while staying true to our roots in quality, authenticity, and innovation.”
With more than a year with Bono USA, and in more than 30 years in the food and beverage industry, Kalina has grown multiple brands over the course of his career. Before joining Bono USA, Kalina served as CEO/President at Peeled Snacks, where he helped restructure, rebrand, and expand the company. Prior to Peeled Snacks, Kalina served as Vice President of Sales at UNFI/Blue Marble Brands, a Rhode Island-based food and beverage services company.
“Bono USA is more than a brand – it’s a family, a mission, and a commitment to bringing the best of Sicily and Italy to American tables,” said Russo-Tiesi. “This next chapter ensures we have the structure to keep delivering on that promise for years to come.”
Russo-Tiesi has been a driving force behind Bono USA’s growth and success for more than a decade, leading the brand’s expansion across North America and elevating its reputation for authenticity and quality. He has championed Bono’s mission to bring the finest Sicilian products to American consumers while maintaining the company’s deep connection to its heritage and producers. His continued leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and the values that define the Bono brand, and his deep expertise will support Bono USA’s continued expansion and long-term success. While in his new role, he will remain chairman of the board at Bono USA.
Gorton brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience in the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries. Prior to Bono USA, he served as CFO for companies Melville Candy Co. – a third generation owned confectionary company – Peeled Snacks, Lutco, Inc, and Distron Corporation, where he oversaw strategic growth initiatives, operational efficiency, and financial planning across multiple business units.
Bono USA has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for premium, traceable, and authentically Italian products. With this leadership realignment, the company is poised to strengthen its market position and further enhance its reputation as one of the leading importers of Italian specialty foods in the United States.
The brand’s full range of products are available at select supermarkets – such as Whole Foods, Wegman’s, Stop & Shop, ShopRite, The Fresh Market, and more – specialty stores like Eataly, and Amazon. For exact locations, visit the Bono store locator.
About Bono
Established in 1934, Bono is Sicily’s largest producer of authentic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The family-owned company is based in Sciacca – located in the Val Di Mazara – a region coveted for its terroir and considered one of the best in the world to produce high-quality EVOO. Bono also owns multiple facilities across Sicily and Italy, with its U.S. division and distribution center based in Landing, NJ.
Bono’s core mission is to focus on regionality, sustainability and innovation through certifications for all its products. Our award-winning EVOOs come with six different certifications: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), USDA Organic, Clean Label Project, OU Kosher, Gluten Free and NON-GMO. Bono’s PDO and PGI EVOOs receive their own unique serial numbers, which are traceable to the exact farm and olives used, ensuring full production transparency. The company’s collection of fine Italian products also includes a full line of Sicilian and Italian Table Olives, Tuscan-Crafted Pasta Sauces, Sicilian Marmalade, and Calabrese Peppers. All Bono products originate from a particular region with the belief that what grows together, goes together. We believe in taking what is best from each region and portraying this in our award-winning line of products.
Connect with Bono USA on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
