Zespri tabs new general manager for North America

Zespri has appointed Darren LaMothe as its new general manager to oversee North American operations.

LaMothe established himself as an integral member of the Zespri leadership team for the past four years, according to a news release.

LaMothe has developed the supply chain team in North America and Europe with supply chain reset efforts resulting in continuous improvements and standardization, the release said. LaMothe will assume the responsibilities from Dan Riley, who served as general manager beginning in early 2021, the release said.

“We are excited to support Darren as the general manager as he transitions from his outstanding efforts managing and improving our supply chain program,” Linda Mills, Zespri’s acting president, Europe and North America, said in the release. “His business acumen and people-forward mindset will be vital as we continue to expand our business.”

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Prior to his successful tenure at Zespri, LaMothe had 18 years of experience in fast-moving consumer goods, technology and fresh produce across different roles including supply chain site leader, supply chain optimization, global account management, business development, and e-commerce and fulfillment operations at organizations such as PepsiCo, Syncreon (DP World Co.) and Procter & Gamble, the release said.

LaMothe holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and graduated in 2023 from the University of Arizona with an MBA in finance.

“I am excited for this new opportunity within the organization,” LaMothe said in the release. “We have a great team in place, and together, I look forward to building upon Zespri’s success as the #1 fastest-growing fruit. I am also excited to work with our retail and distributor partners to continue our successful trajectory of growing the category by providing the best-tasting kiwifruit to consumers.”