Sun World names new CEO

Bakersfield, Calif.-based Sun World International has promoted company President Bernardo Calvo to CEO, with current CEO David Marguleas set to become the executive chair of its board of directors.

“I’m humbled and incredibly excited to take the helm of Sun World in the years ahead,” Calvo said in a news release. “This is a special company that puts the needs of customers first and operates with integrity in all things. These pivots in focus for myself and David are designed to capitalize on the many opportunities that exist to be seized in the exceedingly favorable climate we find ourselves in.”

Calvo will lead all corporate and operational functions. He previously held leadership roles at the Monsanto Company and Bayer AG in multiple countries. Sun World said Calvo also held CEO positions in regions around the world and held the title of global head of some of the company’s franchises with responsibility for thousands of team members and several billion dollars per year.

“Bernardo’s experience, wisdom, and work ethic are beyond what I could have hoped for, and I’m delighted to appoint him CEO, confident that he’s the ideal leader for Sun World’s ambitious next chapter,” Marguleas said in the release. “Bernardo’s been an integral part of our recent growth moves and has already proven himself to be the respected leader inside our company, that he is known to be in our industry.”

Sun World said Marguleas will focus on leading its board of directors, as well as driving value-added strategic initiatives in service to producers, including expansion of the company’s genetics offerings.

“I’ve been keen to focus more intently on strategies that can add significant benefits for our customers and impact for our company. Having the ideal team in place makes this possible,” Marguleas said.