This year, in an effort to address both the extraordinary opportunities and the extraordinary challenges the industry faces, the Hass Avocado Board, with industry participation, launched BOLD: The Hass Avocado Industry Board Leadership Development Program. Helping the industry face an increasingly complex marketplace with sophisticated problem-solvers, BOLD is designed to develop emerging leaders who are both motivated and equipped to meet those opportunities and challenges.

The 12-member inaugural class of the BOLD program includes both importers and producers, representing all corners of

There are a lot of business leaders who talk about the future of work.  It’s a favorite topic in our (almost) post-pandemic world and many are focused on how businesses can adapt, change and respond to the changing environmental and cultural pressures. We’ve talked about the future of the physical office, the prolific use of Zoom, hiring in a pandemic, and the continued conversation on flexible work hours.

One leader who is saying a lot right now about the future of business is Indra Nooyi, the former CEO and chairman of PepsiCo, who is also promoting her new memoir.

Nooyi, a famously

Raley’s Chief Operations Officer Kevin Konkel will retire, effective Jan. 7, 2022, ending nearly four-and-a-half decades of outstanding service and dedication.

“Kevin is the epitome of a 'service leader.' His knowledge, professionalism and leadership have been a source of stability and inspiration. Kevin is far more than just a business leader; he is a kind and thoughtful person who treats all people with respect and grace. He has been a source of trust and hope for the people of Raley’s,” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s president and CEO. “After 44 years, he is leaving our organization an even

Steve Mangapit has been named the first chief operating officer in Western Growers history. In the new role he will be focused on operational efficiencies, improvements and innovations at the company. He will start in January 2022.

Mangapit joins Western Growers from AP | Keenan, where he served as vice president of the health plan administration company. At Keenan he was responsible for three business units: Employee Benefits TPA, Healthcare Analytics and Large Group Agency Operations (Benefits).

Mangapit previously worked at WG for four years with Western Growers Assurance Trust/Pinnacle

DNO Produce, a leading wholesale distributor and fresh-cut produce processor, has named Marissa Dake as director of communications and public affairs. Dake will work to expand DNO’s external communications strategies and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders for DNO’s growing presence in federal nutrition programs.

“We are excited to welcome Marissa to our team,” said Alex DiNovo, DNO’s president and chief operation officer. “I am confident Marissa’s on-the-ground experience and big-picture expertise with USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs will be a tremendous asset to our growing

DMA Solutions, a full-service marketing agency serving the fresh food and floral industry, announces Leslie Simmons as a new team member and marketing strategist for the marketing agency.

Simmons joins DMA Solutions with over 10 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, as well as an additional six years working in advertising and marketing in New York City. At DMA, Simmons will provide marketing services and solutions to the agency’s clients as well as ensure business goals and objectives are being met.

“I am extremely proud to officially announce Leslie has joined the DMA team,”