People
Jerry W. “JJ” Fleeman Jr. will depart his role as CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA in June 2026 to succeed Todd Vasos as the CEO of Dollar General, effective Jan. 1, 2027.
The council has also opened nominations for three-year regional positions beginning in 2027.
James Benson has nearly 30 years of leadership experience and expertise in table grapes and citrus.
Joshua Carr and Stephen Sheldon join the cooperative to support procurement strategy and international growth.
Current president and CEO Jeff Huckaby will become the company’s chief agricultural officer, while produce industry veteran Ken Silvera will assume the role of CEO.
The Michigan-based distributor has expanded its sales footprint and retail support capabilities with the addition of Cody Anderson as national account manager.
David Hinojosa is set to lead the company’s next phase of strategic growth and community-focused retail initiatives.
Ellise Fallon brings more than 10 years of experience in food and ag-tech innovation to lead the company’s next phase of global growth.
In an executive interview, Bonduelle Americas CEO Bobby Chacko discusses transitioning from the Ready Pac name, leveraging his deep CPG background to bring “brand stickiness” to fresh produce and navigating the intense 15-day shelf-life cycle.
Bako Sweet bolsters its sales and marketing divisions with key hires from Safeway, Wonderful Citrus and Harris Ranch to drive retail partnership growth.
UnitedAg’s Education Foundation has awarded 40 students across California and Arizona, bringing the program’s lifetime total to over $2 million invested in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
To commemorate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the commission is highlighting contributions of trailblazing California avocado growers.
The company has appointed José Manuel Madero Garza to its board of directors to help guide the company’s strategic growth and international expansion.
Arizona native Pat Tucker, who helped grow the regional farm into a year-round international melon supplier, will continue to serve as a consultant.
According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 45,244 women producers operate across the state, managing 11.5 million acres of farms and ranches that contribute $22.2 billion in agricultural sales.
Chief Operating Officer Jerry LeClair will step in as interim CEO to lead the regional grocer’s 200-plus locations.
The longtime Oppy veteran and former shareholder, known for his “people-first” philosophy and sense of humor, spent nearly 30 years shaping the Canadian produce trade.
The organization has made history by electing its first all-female executive officer team to lead its strategic growth and promotion efforts.
Former FDA policy manager Eric Stevens is set to join the International Fresh Produce Association to lead global regulatory engagement and science-based policy.
North American Blueberry Council has filled two critical leadership vacancies by appointing Brian Bocock to the board of directors and Gonzalo Canessa as chair of the United Blueberry Advisory Committee.
Bianca Kaprielian is redefining the role of the modern shipper by moving beyond USDA compliance to provide independent family farms with the operational support, crop planning and price stability necessary to ensure long-term survival in a volatile market.
Gary Narducci will join as a sourcing expert for the vertically integrated grower, produce broker and logistics partner.
The company says the hiring of Bruno Giribaldi and Tom Tobin supports its move to scale domestic production while increasing capacity for international sourcing.
The third-generation grower and owner of Sklarczyk Seed Farm says this year’s agenda will capitalize on new dietary guidelines to promote potatoes as a staple of good health, ensuring fair trade practices, and removing nontariff trade barriers.
In The Packer’s executive series, Perkins discusses leading The Save Mart Cos.’ 2026 growth strategy, centering the brand’s digital and physical transformation around a non-negotiable commitment to produce quality.
Sprouts has named Don Clark as chief merchandising officer and created a new chief customer officer role for Amanda Rassi.
The company promotes Sebastian Carmona and Kristina Lorusso to vice president roles, focusing on international development and retail partner services.
Christian Bengard, a third-generation family member, brings more than six years of produce sales experience from Well-Pict/Gem-Pack, along with years of exposure within the fresh produce industry.
In her new role, Miller will manage client relationships, oversee campaign execution and collaborate with internal teams to deliver integrated marketing programs that support FullTilt’s agriculture-first approach.
Target has named Cara Sylvester as chief merchandising officer and Lisa Roath as chief operating officer, part of an overhaul aimed at streamlining operations.