The 2022 Packer 25 is our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. Each year, The Packer invites the produce industry to nominate distinguished veterans, leaders and rising stars of the fresh produce industry. As always, our editorial team was energized and awed by the talented pool of nominees this year. Now in its 18th year, The Packer is once again spotlighting 25 dynamic and inspiring people who are moving the produce industry forward.
The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Jim Mills, partner, consumer business leader for Pacific Southwest region, Deloitte & Touche
In your role leading Deloitte’s consumer business practice, how do you engage with the produce industry?
Mills: The produce industry is an important part of our practice and I spend a significant amount of my time with the produce industry. First, I directly serve a number of companies within the industry either as their independent auditor or in an advisory capacity. I also host a number of events for companies within the industry, providing a forum for executives to discuss the critical topics of interest for the industry. Beyond that, I engage with a number of the leading organizations serving the industry related to emerging issues or trends impacting the industry.
What aspects of your work with the fresh produce industry do you find most meaningful?
I have been fortunate to work with a number of the leading companies within the industry. My work is most rewarding when I can help those companies with a pressing or critical business need. Sometimes that can be as simple as making an important connection for them or as complicated as helping them develop business strategy or manage enterprise risk. I find particular satisfaction working in situations where we have been a positive factor in the long-term growth and profitability of a business.
What do you hope to accomplish/contribute through your role?
My role is one where I see a number of companies and aspects of the industry. That allows me to be valuable to companies by bringing different perspectives and insights than [those] they might have otherwise received or considered. Helping companies to be more successful and competitive is something I also strive to accomplish and contribute. Overall, I want to be seen a trusted business advisor who provides objective, value-added input.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I have been fortunate enough in my career to assist a number of companies in successfully completing significant business transactions. Some have untaken an IPO and went public, while others have completed significant mergers and acquisitions activity that has created long-term shareholder value. Being able to deliver when those companies needed me the most are the experiences I will most remember, most fondly. However, beyond all of that, helping people be more successful in their careers is by far the thing I will be most proud of.
What does leadership mean to you?
When I think of leadership, I think of the wonderful mentors I have had over time, both inside Deloitte as well as outside of the firm. I think of the qualities in those mentors such as unwavering integrity, following through on commitments, being sincere, being objective and focusing on the success of others over your own. Ultimately, those individuals develop a followership and are consistently sought out by others for their involvement and input. To me, that is a true sign of a leader.
