Sage Fruit Co. sales and marketing exec to step back in January

Sage Fruit Co. sales and marketing executive Chuck Sinks will step back from his role in January.

Sinks has more than 40 years of experience in the industry, including more than 20 years at Sage Fruit Co., according to company CEO Steve Clement.

“Over the past [20-plus] years, Chuck has been an integral part of Sage Fruit Co.’s leadership and growth,” Clement said in a news release. “We gratefully acknowledge his contribution and leadership as we have taken Sage Fruit to new heights during his tenure.”

Sinks will step back from his role as president of sales and marketing Jan. 1, 2024, but will continue to work for Sage Fruit Co. for the next two years in a reduced capacity, the release said. During that time, Sinks will transition into retirement while assisting the transfer of his role to Kevin Steiner, the new leader of Sage Fruit Co.’s business development and marketing team, the release said.

Steiner, who has served as a senior business development manager for Sage Fruit Co., has been promoted to fill Sinks' role starting next year.

Sinks’ title, president of sales and marketing, will be retired when he steps back in January. Steiner’s title will now be president of business development and marketing, the release said.

Career path

Sinks started his produce career at the Dole Food Co. in 1984 as the assistant district sales manager in Kansas City, Mo., the release said. Sinks eventually became vice president of customer relations.

Sinks left the Dole Fresh Fruit Co. in September 2001 and joined the Sage Fruit Co. in early 2003 under his current title. Sinks built strong relationships within the retail sector, Clement said.

“Chuck is both creative and innovative in his marketing strategies and his approach is truly one of a kind,” Clement added. “He is highly revered by his peers, colleagues, and business associates alike. We are very proud of Chuck and his incredible dedication and contribution to our business and wish him well as he makes this transition in his life. At the same time, we are also very excited to have someone of Kevin’s caliber ready and willing to step into the role as our new president of business development and marketing.”