Vero Beach, Fla.-based IMG Citrus has added Giorgio Peirano to its leadership team.
Originally from Chile, Peirano spent much of his career in Europe and South America as an exporter of citrus and other produce including kiwis, onions and avocados, according to a news release. In addition to his 20 years of experience, he holds a degree in agronomic engineering and a master’s degree in business administration, the release said.
Peirano will focus on strategic partnerships and supply chain integration for IMG Citrus from grower relationships to business development, according to the release.
Peirano is very familiar with the company’s partnership model for imports, the release said. He previously worked for Propal, IMG Citrus’ primary partner in Chile.
“I have been a part of this strategy for the past seven years working closely with IMG Citrus and Propal to develop the Southeast market for Chilean citrus,” Peirano said in the release. “I am excited to continue this project and to participate in the sales of IMG Citrus Florida crop to retailers in the U.S. and around the world.”
The leadership team at IMG Citrus includes the heads of growing, packing, sales, imports and technology.
“All major decisions relating to strategy, investment, and P&L are made collaboratively by the leadership team,” Melanie Ressler, co-CEO of IMG Enterprises, the parent company of IMG Citrus, said in the release. “This ensures efficient execution and deeper integration across operations.”
IMG Citrus is led by three co-CEOs who share authority and responsibility in a similar manner, the release said.
“Collaborative leadership based on trust and transparency leads to better decision-making,” Ressler said in the release. “We see this as a model for how we work both internally and externally.
IMG Citrus seeks quality-focused suppliers, Sydney Allison, director of sales, said in the release.
“We use our knowledge as a Florida grower to select the most reliable and quality-focused suppliers,” she said. “And we use our knowledge as a global marketer to select the most successful retailers. It’s a true 3-way partnership.”
