On Dec. 18, Mission Produce, Inc. announced a planned leadership transition. Steve Barnard, co-founder and current CEO, will assume the role of executive chairman of the board. At the same time, John Pawlowski, currently president and chief operating officer, will become CEO.
These changes will take effect at the close of the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April 2026. The company described the move as reflecting its long-term succession planning related to avocados and mangoes across retail, wholesale and foodservice channels.
“As we plan for Mission’s next chapter, I’m proud of the team that has grown this business from a local operation into a global leader,” says Barnard in the company’s announcement. “This transition is about continuity for our customers and grower partners, sustaining the operational discipline, product quality and service reliability they count on from Mission.”
He continues, complimenting Pawlowski’s leadership and operational expertise.
“I am confident that his strategic vision and decades of experience in the global food industry makes him the ideal leader to guide Mission through its next chapter of growth,” Barnard says. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to supporting John and the team in my new role as executive chairman of the board.”
As executive chairman, Barnard will chair the board and provide strategic oversight, working closely with Pawlowski and Mission’s leadership team to advance the company’s long-term vision for responsible growth and category stewardship.
John Pawlowski, upcoming CEO
Pawlowski joined Mission Produce in April 2024 as president and chief operating officer, where he has focused on process improvement, logistics optimization and productivity. He is a highly accomplished executive with more than 25 years in the global food and foodservice industry, specializing in business development, system optimization and executive team management, according to the company.
Prior to Mission, Pawlowski served as president and COO of independent distributor Lipari Foods and served for more than 16 years at J.M. Smucker in a variety of leadership positions, culminating with a role as vice president of international. Pawlowski holds a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Miami University.
Pawlowski says he is honored to take up the role of CEO and expresses gratitude to Barnard and the board for their confidence.
“Mission is positioned to keep elevating the avocado and mango experience, partnering with retailers and foodservice operators to grow consumption, improve consistency and accelerate growth,” Pawlowski says. “I am excited to lead our talented team as we continue to focus on operational excellence, strong grower relationships and category-building programs that create value across the supply chain. The future is bright for Mission Produce, and I look forward to building on the incredible foundation Steve and the team have created.
