The Chicago-based Produce Alliance, an entity of the Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division, has named Chris Rheault as its president.
Rheault previously served as executive vice president of produce operations for Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division, according to a news release, which added that he has a strong desire to learn, cultivate and grow value for operators, distributors and suppliers.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with Chris over the last nine-plus years of his career and feel elated to have him lead Produce Alliance,” David Liesenfelt, president of the Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division, said in the release. “Chris is well known within the foodservice industry and is committed to building relationships with stakeholders and expanding on PA who has been a leader in the marketplace for over 25 years.”
Rheault brings unique expertise and perspectives to the table, as he’s worked alongside Produce Alliance in the evolution of Buyers Edge Platform Produce Operations for the past several years and has led key sales and operations initiatives in produce management, the release said.
The Produce Alliance said Rheault has a successful history in operations, sales, procurement and technology, and he plans to build on the core competencies that it already has in place as a long-standing leader within the industry. Rheault plans to provide internal leadership to assist in accelerating a strong growth trajectory, the release said.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Produce Alliance for the past several years, and I greatly respect the deep connections forged with suppliers, distributors, and operators,” Rheault said in the release. “I’m grateful to work with the leaders who have built the company and eager to complement and grow our strengths to better serve our customers. The passion at Produce Alliance is contagious and evident in relationships throughout every level of the supply chain.”
Produce Alliance specializes in providing fresh category management services including procurement, national distribution, information services and food safety assurance to food service clients across North America, the Caribbean and beyond, the release said.
