The Kroger Co. announced that Laura Gump, formerly vice president of merchandising for the Houston division, has been promoted to president of the division. She succeeds Joe Kelley, who was recently named president of King Soopers.

"Laura has tremendous experience in the grocery and retail industries," said Valerie Jabbar, Kroger's senior vice president of retail operations. "Her ability to build high-performing teams will ensure our Houston division continues to deliver the freshest foods and a friendly and welcoming experience for our customers, whether shopping in store or online."

Gump

Calavo Growers Inc. has appointed Brian W. Kocher as president and CEO of the company effective Feb. 1.

“After conducting a thorough search, including interviews with several well qualified candidates, Brian Kocher was the clear choice of our board of directors to become the next president and CEO of Calavo Growers,” said Calavo Chairman J. Link Leavens. “Brian’s deep knowledge, expertise and operational leadership in the fresh produce industry as a CEO, COO and CFO make him uniquely qualified to lead Calavo forward and position our company for growth. We are delighted to welcome Brian to our

Publix Super Markets’ Vice President of Marketing Mark Irby will retire at the end of February 2022, concluding 48 years with the company. Malinda Renfroe, who began her Publix career in 2005 as a marketing support associate, will fill the vacated role.

Irby began his Publix career in 1973 at the sign shop in Lakeland, FL. After working in various capacities within that department he transferred into the advertising department in 1983 as a marketing and research manager. In 1988, he was promoted to director of marketing and advertising and to his current role in 1989.

“Mark’s dedication to

Phil (Rock) Gumpert, chairman and chief executive officer of Tom Lange Family of Cos., after 57 years in the produce industry, is announcing his retirement as CEO, effective Dec. 31. The Tom Lange Board of Directors accepted Rock’s retirement as Chief Executive Officer and confirmed that Rock will remain on the Board of Directors as chairman.

Rock began his career working for the Wabash Railroad on the St. Louis Produce terminal market handling produce rail cars for the wholesalers on the market. “Mr. Tom Lange and Mr. Farrell Gay, better known as Dutch, and Paul Beisser approached me about

The U.S. Apple Association announced Mitchell Liwanag will join the organization as manager of association services. Liwanag brings a background of agriculture and association management experience to the role. His portfolio will include financial and office management; meeting logistics and program support; membership, data analysis and communications assistance; and congressional visit coordination.

Liwanag comes to USApple from the National Communication Association where he managed day-to-day office and building operations and assisted with membership management. Prior to this, Liwanag

Mac Johnson, a major force in the snack-food world and a produce marketing icon, died Sunday, Dec. 12 in Newnan, GA, due to complications from cancer. He was 74 years old.

Mr. Johnson joined Category Partners as CEO at its founding in 2008. He spent the better part of a decade working and growing with clients and retailers, investing his time, knowledge, and experience to create a powerful team, who will deeply miss him. Mr. Johnson ended his distinguished career at Category Partners in 2017, retiring to the Atlanta area to be closer to his family and to spend more time on the golf course