Chile-based Hortifrut says Héctor Enrique Luján Valladolid will be its new CEO, effective July 1, leading the company’s worldwide operations.
Luján, a Mexican national, will initially be based in the U.S., according to a news release.
Outgoing CEO Juan Ignacio Allende will continue to be a board member of Hortifrut in subsidiaries and related companies, including Naturipe in North America, and lead other strategic functions to be defined with the board of directors, the release said. The company praised Allende, saying that he “leaves a great legacy after his successful career” with his ability to build alliances and high-performance teams and the development of business relationships that have allowed Hortifrut to continue global growth.
“It has been a real honor to lead the growth and expansion of Hortifrut during all these years, and I know that I leave the management of the company in the best hands,” Allende said in the release. “I especially want to thank the board of directors and the entire team of the great Hortifrut family.”
Luján has 28 years of experience in the agricultural industry, with 22 years specifically in the berry sector. His career includes the direction and management of global operations, leadership of multidisciplinary teams and talent development, demonstrating an exceptional ability to adapt and stand out in diverse environments, the release said. Hortifrut says he has been instrumental in triggering and executing high industry growth in North America, Europe and Asia.
“I thank the board of directors for their confidence in me to lead this great organization,” Luján said in the release. “It is with enthusiasm that I fully embrace its entrepreneurial spirit and innovation culture, promoting partnership and reaffirming our commitment to people and the environment. Together, we will work tirelessly to achieve our goals and lead the company towards a prosperous and sustainable future.”
“On behalf of the board of directors, I thank Juan Ignacio for his outstanding performance as CEO in recent years. His vision and passion for berries have greatly contributed to consolidate the company’s position as the number one blueberry company in the world and leader in the berry category, with sales of more than US$1 billion,” Nicolas Moller, Hortifrut board chairman, said in the release. “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Hector. We are confident that his leadership, human qualities and deep knowledge of the industry will be key to propel Hortifrut to new levels of growth, bringing the best ‘berries for the world every day.’”
