Longtime industry leader stepping back from executive role at Indianapolis Fruit
A longtime member of the produce industry will soon dial back his duties as chief operating officer of Indianapolis Fruit Co., a member of the Fresh Edge family of produce and specialty food companies.
Effective July 4, John Cunningham will transition from the company’s COO to a role as distribution and retail advisor, a move he says will allow him to enjoy “my personal and professional life at a different pace."
“I’m excited to announce that, after 40-plus years in the produce industry and 19 with Indianapolis Fruit and the FreshEdge Team, I’ve decided to step back,” Cunningham said in a news release. “I’m eager to continue to work with [Indianapolis Fruit President] Daniel Corsaro and our team to enhance our retail merchandising and education programs.”
In his new role, Cunningham will have the opportunity to focus on deepening customer relationships, as well as mentoring and developing Indianapolis’ evolving executive team and advising on strategic initiatives, the release said.
“We’re excited for John to continue positively impacting our team and our customers’ business,” Corsaro said in the release. “He has a tremendous track record of elevating performance.”
Corsaro's thoughts were shared by FreshEdge’s President and COO Greg Corsaro.
“John has been a great member of our family and has been critical to our growth and development,” Greg Corsaro said in the release. “We are very grateful for everything he has done and look forward to the insight and great things that he will accomplish with our evolving leaders.”
As part of the transition, Indianapolis’ Vice President of Retail Execution Ross Nelson will transition to vice president of procurement. The company — which distributes fresh produce, value-added, specialty foods and floral to retail grocers in 20 states across the Midwest, central and southeastern areas of the U.S. — will continue to be led by Daniel Corsaro and the existing executive team, the release said.
