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The a nonprofit organization, which represents and promotes the state’s potato and vegetable growers, also announced a slate of other recently elected board members.
The Ontario, Calif.-based company said Chris Dougan, former senior vice president of sales for Chiquita Brands International and Fresh Express, will be instrumental in shaping its future growth.
With a background in category management and market research, Walter Liu brings experience from his tenures at Del Monte Fresh Produce and Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Chris Latta, most recently vice president of global sales for Binsfeld Engineering, has experience with sales, marketing and industrial design.
Rafael Lacaz Ruiz joins the team as a protected culture sales representative. He will focus on sales in the U.S. and Canada, according to the company.
John Toner and Phil Gruszka have joined the organization as business development directors.
The California Strawberry Commission recently partnered with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce to honor members of the strawberry industry.
Tim Wolfli has over two decades of experience in fresh produce, including agriculture, aquaculture and foodservice, the company says.
Bob Lanter, who officially assumes the role May 5, has more than 30 years of experience with a background in the public sector and nonprofit management.
The Chile-based company says Héctor Enrique Luján Valladolid will be its new CEO, effective July 1, leading the company’s worldwide operations.
The company says Chief Operating Officer Jason Te Brake will succeed outgoing CEO Daniel Mathieson, who is leaving Zespri to join Driscoll’s, effective July 1.
The Growers Co. president and CEO is set to receive Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement, which is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.
Frank Burkhardt previously held roles at Holcim, L’Oréal Switzerland and Proctor & Gamble and will promote the importer’s new sustainable brand in Europe, Trudi’s.
Produce veteran Mike Ciaramella has joined the Tempe, Ariz.-based wholesaler.
Chief Commercial Officer Roger Wheeler is set to assume role as brand president for Stop & Shop, with Gordon Reid sharing plans to retire in 2025.
The Chelsea, Mass.-based produce supplier says the additions will bring new capabilities and expertise to the organization’s rapidly evolving portfolio of brands and offerings.
Brandi Smith has over two decades of experience in accounting, finance and business management, as well as expertise in supporting complex agricultural organizations and driving financial insights.
Russell Hamlin, president of farming operations for the Bakersfield, Calif.-based grower of vegetables, will advise on Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Issues.
Will Regan joined the company in 2018 and was named to his most recent position, director of commercial finance and profitability, in 2022.
Shawn Munsell, chief financial officer for the Santa, Paula, Calif.-based grower-shipper, will depart for a new opportunity and James Snyder will return to the company to fill the role.
Formerly the company’s president of sales, Jim Roberts brings over two decades of experience to the role.
The company said the honor is a celebration not only of Coleman’s leadership, but also of the culture and values that define Equifruit.
Thomas “Tommy” Padilla has more than 14 years of experience in the produce industry, specializing in international and export sales.
Patrick Criteser, former CEO of Tillamook County Creamery Association, will join the Leamington, Ontario-based greenhouse grower.
The company has named produce industry veterans Jay Schneider as executive vice president of sales and procurement and Casey Kio as executive vice president of global business.
Paul Rice will transition to a member of an advisory council after 26 years with the organization.
Two produce industry veterans have been named country sales managers for Brazil, Peru and Chile in a move intended to enhance the company’s presence in those markets.
In a career of more than 30 years, Dorn Wenninger has held roles with suppliers and retailers.
Throughout more than 42 years, English has served the fresh produce business in sales leadership roles for The Packer, which reached out to former and present colleagues, clients and associates to reflect on his career.
George Gilvesy received the Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year Award, recognizing efforts to improve the produce industry in the province.