Mike Browne joins Mission Produce as COO

Mission Produce Inc., Oxnard, Calif., has hired Mike Browne as chief operating officer.

Browne, who most recently was vice president of fresh operations at Calavo Growers, has more than 35 years of experience in numerous roles in the avocado industry. He was president and CEO of Index Fresh, vice president of Green Stripe’s North American export marketing division, and co-founded Fresh Directions International in 1997,

“Mike embodies an operational excellence rigor and will help us achieve our vision of ongoing double-digit growth,” Steve Barnard, president and CEO of Mission Produce, said in a news release. “I am confident in Mike’s ability to deliver results, guide teams and drive innovation across our global network.”

Browne lead’s Mission Produce’s operations and works with Barnard and other executives to develop strategies, targeting aggressive growth goals and approved efficiencies, according to the release.

“I’m honored to join a company whose global footprint and strategic growth strategy are exceptional,” Browne said in the release. “I’m looking forward to partnering with Mission Produce’s staff to reinforce innovation throughout a vertically integrated supply chain and accelerate the organization’s continued growth for years to come.”

Browne has been a member of the Mexican Hass Avocado Import Association, Avocados From Mexico, California Avocado Commission and the California Avocado Society and other organizations.

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