Mission Produce Inc. announced Aug. 7 that Juan Wiesner, Mission’s president of Central and South America, will retire from the company, effective Nov. 1, after 14 years of leadership. Simón González, a 13-year Mission veteran, will be promoted to senior vice president of international farming upon Wiesner’s retirement, the company adds.
During his tenure, Wiesner led Mission’s growth across Central and South America and played a pivotal role in the development of Mission’s vertically integrated and international farming operations. He launched and scaled Mission’s Peruvian operation and expanded the company’s international footprint into Guatemala.
“Juan has been an integral part of Mission Produce’s global growth,” says Mission Produce CEO Steve Barnard. “When the company first established operations in Peru, he brought our vision of vertical integration to life with determination and a deep commitment to excellence.”
“As I step into the next phase of my career, I do so with deep gratitude for the journey I’ve had at Mission Produce,” Wiesner says. “When I joined Mission, vertical integration in Peru was only an idea — and today, I am proud to leave behind a thriving operation spanning more than 6,500 plantable hectares of avocados, mangos, and blueberries across Peru and Guatemala. I express my deep gratitude to Steve Barnard for his trust and support, to the board of directors, and to the exceptional team I’ve had the privilege of working with these past 14 years.”
Leadership will pass to González, a trusted executive with deep roots in the organization, Mission says. With more than 20 years of agribusiness experience, González holds an MBA from Emory University, a degree in business administration from Northeastern University and a LEAD Program Certificate from Stanford University.
González currently leads the company’s postharvest and packing operations and has been instrumental in executing key strategic initiatives across Peru and Guatemala. In his expanded role as senior vice president of international farming, González will oversee agricultural production and packing operations for avocados, blueberries and mangoes in both countries.
“As we approach a new chapter of Mission’s long-term global growth strategy, the Company has been diligently preparing for this transition,” Barnard adds. “With Simón’s deep expertise, proven leadership, and commitment to operational excellence, we are confident that he will continue to drive the Company’s international success and deliver on our strategic vision.”
