Chelsea, Mass.-based produce supplier State Garden says three strategic hires will bring new capabilities and expertise to the organization’s rapidly evolving portfolio of brands and offerings, including Olivia’s Organics, Northeast Fresh, and more.
Over the past year, State Garden has expanded its geographic footprint and market penetration with new brands, new products lines and new strategic partnerships, according to a news release.
The hires include Tom Thompson as chief revenue officer, Dinesh Babu as vice president of quality and food safety and Faye Doyle as director of marketing.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tom, Dinesh and Faye to the State Garden family,” State Garden CEO Mark DeMichaelis said in the release. “As a company, we’re growing fast, with a lot of exciting opportunities on the horizon. Their expertise will be crucial as we continue to grow brands like Olivia’s Organics to new markets.”
Thompson’s role will entail driving overall revenue activities with an immediate focus on enhancing strategies focused on State Garden’s emerging brands and growth opportunities, the company said. Before joining State Garden, Thompson worked throughout the food supply chain with expertise in field- and greenhouse-grown products.
“I’m thrilled to join the State Garden team,” Thompson said. “It’s incredible to be part of a company that has cultivated the No. 1 organic packaged salad brand in the East with Olivia’s Organics. They’ve achieved this by prioritizing the consumer over the course of four generations, staying true to their values, and keeping an eye on the future.”
Babu will oversee food safety, compliance and quality management programs while fostering a culture of food safety across the organization and value chain, the release said. Prior to joining State Garden, Babu managed food safety for several notable produce companies. He has a Ph.D. in food science and food microbiology from Oklahoma State University.
“State Garden has a proven industry reputation for leading food safety practices, from proprietary triple-washed processes to intensive pre-screening of all products,” Babu said. “I’m so excited to join the team and share my knowledge and expertise.”
Doyle will lead all marketing efforts for State Garden’s core brands, inclusive of consumer insights, brand strategy, campaign development and execution, strategic planning and innovation.
Doyle has more than 20 years of marketing experience across many industries, including CPG and family brands.
“As a family business bringing fresh, healthy foods to families in New England and beyond, State Garden and its brands have such a powerful story to tell,” Doyle said. “I’m happy to help shape and share those stories as we look to expand with new products in new markets.”
