Plenty names former Hewlett-Packard, Heinz execs to board

(Photos and logo courtesy Plenty; graphic by Amelia Freidline)

Vertical farming company Plenty, South San Francisco, has added Ann Livermore and Bill Johnson, former executives at Hewlett-Packard and H.J. Heinz, respectively, to its board of directors.

Livermore brings extensive experience on advising companies during periods of growth and change, according to a news release.

She started at Hewlett-Packard in 1982 and retired as an executive in 2011, and continues as a Hewlett-Packer Enterprise Co. board member. Other companies at which she’s a board member are Qualcomm, United Parcel Services and D2iQ.

Johnson was at Heinz for 31 years in roles that included general manager, and president and CEO. He was named CEO of the Year for the Global Food and Beverage Industry in 2011. He is an operating partner with private equity firm Advent International and is chairman of Sovos Brands, an investment vehicle for food and beverage acquisitions, according to the release.

“The experience and wisdom that Ann and Bill bring to the Plenty board will be critical as we work to grow our platform and increase production to provide fresh, and delicious food to more consumers,” Matt Barnard, Plenty co-founder and executive chairman, said in the release. “They will help ensure that our mission is supported and advanced through best practices in governance and corporate stewardship.” 

Related stories:

 

Plenty raises $140 million in investments

 

Driscoll’s and Plenty agree to grow strawberries indoors

Albertsons to bring Plenty leafy greens to 400-plus stores

 

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