Midwest wholesaler Heartland Produce says Greg Samels will join the company as vice president of sales. He will oversee strategic sales initiatives, strengthen client relationships and drive growth across its expanding markets, the company says.
Samels, who brings more than 20 years of experience in sales leadership, began his career at W. Newell Co., then managed a 14-state territory with Del Monte Fresh Produce. Heartland Produce says Samels attributes the success in sales growth at Del Monte to his expertise in developing strategic partnerships with major retailers.
In another role, Samels helped Carbamericas establish its first berry program. Most recently, he served as senior director of sales at Kapi Kapi Growers, where he led a territory expansion in the Southwest.
“We are excited to welcome Greg Samels to the Heartland Produce team,” Ryan Dietz, president of Heartland Produce, said in a news release. “Greg’s extensive experience, passion for excellence, and proven track record of growth align perfectly with our mission to provide the highest quality produce and service to our partners.”
Samels will join the executive leadership team of Willam Dietz Jr. as CEO, Ryan Dietz as president, Nico Berlen as vice president of procurement and Russell Cartwright as vice president of operations, the company says.
“I am thrilled to join a company with such a strong reputation for quality and innovation,” Samels said. “I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued growth and working with the talented team at Heartland Produce to exceed customer expectations.”
