Calavo Growers, Inc. announced Nov. 12 that Lee E. Cole will retire as president and CEO, effective Dec. 8 and be succeeded by B. John Lindeman, a member of Calavo’s board of directors and former Calavo chief financial officer. Lindeman will continue to serve on Calavo’s board, the company says.
“On behalf of the board and the entire Calavo family, I want to express our deep gratitude to Lee for his decades of outstanding leadership and his many contributions that helped Calavo become a trusted name in fresh and prepared foods,” says Kathleen Holmgren, who was elected chair of the board of directors of Calavo in October 2025.
“He led the company through multiple market cycles, strengthening our operational foundation and expanding our global reach,” Holmgren adds. “Lee’s disciplined approach and focus on performance have set a high standard for our industry.”
Reflecting on his decades-long tenure, Cole says: “It has been a privilege to lead Calavo and work alongside such dedicated employees, growers and partners. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and confident that John’s experience and strong leadership will position the company for continued success.”
“We’re very pleased to welcome John back to the executive team,” Holmgren says. “He knows this company well from his time as CFO and as a current board member. John brings deep industry knowledge and strategic insight as well as significant experience in mergers and acquisitions that will serve Calavo well in advancing our strategic priorities.”
Lindeman most recently was CEO of Hydrofarm Holdings Group Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of branded hydroponics equipment and supplies for controlled environment agriculture. He previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer for Hydrofarm. Prior to joining Hydrofarm, Lindeman served as chief financial officer and corporate secretary of Calavo Growers from 2015 to 2020. Earlier in his career, he held a variety of leadership positions within the finance and investment banking industries.
“I’m honored to return to Calavo and excited to lead this talented team,” Lindeman says. “With the dedication and expertise that define Calavo’s culture, we are well positioned to deepen partnerships, drive growth and create sustainable value for our shareholders.”
