After 36 years with the company, Ross Wileman is retiring from Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce.
Wileman, senior vice president of sales and marketing, is known for his contributions and dedication to the avocado category, according to a news release. Those accomplishments include support in the development of the world’s first national ripe program and the expansion of the category overseas, according to the release. In addition, Wileman was critical to the continued expansion of Mission’s international business, company leaders said in the release.
“Ross planted trust, reliability and drive into the culture of the company, and his calm-under-pressure demeanor served the business on all levels,” Steve Barnard, Mission Produce CEO and founder, said in the release. “He was highly regarded by customers and was a voice of reason in every discussion. He’s been incredibly successful with Mission and has left a legacy on the category and industry.”
Wileman started with Mission Produce as a grower and joined the company five years later as a field representative. Wileman joined the domestic sales team, where he came through the ranks to lead Mission’s sales and marketing departments, according to the release.
“To have grown the avocado category from the very beginning into what it is today, alongside the fun and competitive people at Mission, was my heart and soul,” Wileman said in the release. “I wouldn’t have wanted to see my career through to retirement anywhere else, which speaks to the type of team we have. They know successful relationships are built on trust and aren’t afraid to put in the hard work to get there. I have no doubt they are going to keep paving the way forward.”
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