With Pandol Bros. CEO set to retire, the company names a successor
Pandol Bros. Inc. says that President and CEO Cheri Diebel will retire at the end of 2023, and Mitch Millwee will join the company as her successor later this year.
Diebel, who has worked in various roles for the Delano, Calif.-based agricultural commodities marketing company since 1981, has served in her current position since January 2012, according to a news release. She has overseen a period of planned growth, innovation and value creation, putting into practice the shareholders’ vision to improve asset efficiency and overall company performance and profitability, the release said.
“The Pandol family and board is grateful to Cheri for her steadfast leadership, commitment and oversight in moving PBI forward over her career, and most notably during her last 12 years as CEO of PBI,” Louis Pandol, chairperson of the Pandol Bros. board of directors, said in the release. “Cheri has created an environment at PBI that has allowed us to make a significant impact with our customers, our industry, and our employees alike.
“She has capably led our company during a time of significant challenges and changes, positioning PBI to deliver long-term sustainable value for ownership, strategic business partners, and customers,” Pandol continued. “We are grateful to have Cheri’s continuing leadership and support and know that she will ensure a smooth changeover to her successor.”
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“To be a part of this wonderful organization and work for and with the Pandol family has been an honor and a privilege. I am most proud of our team here at PBI and all that we have built together,” Diebel said in the release. “Our outstanding employees and the passion they have for consistent excellence in all that they do is one of the chief reasons for our continued success over the years. PBI has been my home for 42 years, and I am confident that now is the right time for the next CEO to take the company forward.”
About the new president and CEO
Millwee will join Pandol Bros. from Pacific Ag Management Inc., where he served as president and CEO beginning in 2017, according to the release. Prior to his tenure at Pacific Ag Management, he spent 30 years in agricultural lending with AgWest Farm Credit in Bakersfield, Calif.
Millwee has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a graduate of Class 31 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program and the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington.
“I am excited and honored to join PBI as president/CEO. I have had the pleasure of working closely with the Pandol family operations during my career at AgWest Farm Credit and now look forward to leading such a great organization with so many outstanding people,” Millwee said in the release.
“We are thrilled and are feeling very lucky that circumstances aligned for us to have Mitch join our team at PBI” Pandol said. “We believe he will be an excellent fit for the position and the organization!”
