Jim Donovan, a 36-year veteran of Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce, is retiring.
Donovan, senior vice president of global information and industry affairs for Mission, joined the company as an export sales manager in 1984 after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture business, according to a news release.
Donovan worked extensively in sales, operations, and industry relations, but spent most of his career in a senior-level global sourcing position, according to the release. Donovan played a key role in developing growing and distribution sources in Mexico, Chile and Peru, as well as Colombia and New Zealand, according to the release.
“Jim was instrumental in establishing our sourcing and sales strategies abroad, which has contributed to Mission’s global success today,” Steve Barnard, president and CEO at Mission Produce, said in the release. “He conceptualized the potential of the avocado from a niche fruit to a global, mainstream food. On behalf of everyone at Mission,I would like to thank Jim for his outstanding contributions to our company.”
The release said Donovan laid the groundwork for forming relationships with leading retailers and buyers in Asia and Europe, and also helped establish and served on many avocado industry associations. Those groups include the Hass Avocado Board, Mexican Importers and Handlers Association, Peruvian Avocado Committee, Chilean Avocado Importers Association and the World Avocado Organization.
“As both his friend and colleague, I’ve greatly enjoyed working alongside Jim over the past 35 years,” Ross Wileman, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Mission Produce, said in the release. “He is a loyal and fun leader who has dedicated much of his life to building Mission and navigating our exciting industry. Though we will miss his enthusiasm in the office, I wish Jim all the best in his retirement.”
Donovan expressed gratitude for his career at Mission Produce.
“It’s been an honor to be a part of Mission’s journey since its infancy, from a small California-based avocado packer to a global, successful publicly-traded company,” Donovan said in the release. “I’ve met and worked with some of the most remarkable and passionate people in the global avocado and produce industry. I am extremely humbled by the success we’ve experienced in my tenure at Mission and look forward to its continued growth.”
