Ippolito International has announced a leadership change in its sales department: effective this week, Bob Polovneff has been promoted to director of sales and commodity management. 

In this role, Polovneff will oversee the daily sales activities of the department. Additionally, he will have oversight of the commodity manager team. 

"Bob's contribution here has been impressive, and we're glad that he's able to assume a stronger role on our team," said Dan Canales, senior vice president of sales, marketing and processing.

Polovneff brings considerable experience in the produce industry with

As a recruiter at the highest level, Kristen Reid interacts with top executives in the produce industry — both candidates and CEOs — on a daily basis, which gives her a well-informed take on the progress of women in this industry that she loves.

“When I started in the produce industry 17 years ago, I was often the only women in the room — and certainly the youngest,” said Reid, who is executive vice president of the MIXTEC Group, based in La Crescenta, CA. “The industry has shifted significantly since then. We all owe a debt of gratitude to some very strong women who paved the way.”

After

Jana Fischback has joined Stemilt as its new sustainability coordinator in the Food Safety and Compliance Department. Fischback comes to Stemilt following over seven years of experience as co-founder of the educational non-profit Sustainable NCW in Wenatchee, WA, and working with organizations to implement environmental sustainability programs. In this newly created role, Fischback will work to enhance Stemilt’s environmental commitment and sustainability efforts.  

“We are beyond grateful to have found someone as knowledgeable as Jana to fulfill Stemilt’s new role as a Sustainability

Red Sun Farms has added Paul J. Mastronardi as its business development manager. With a background in the greenhouse industry, Mastronardi brings experience in sales, strategic growth and customer relationship management, further strengthening the company's commitment to delivering premium greenhouse-grown produce.

Mastronardi brings a wealth of experience in the greenhouse sector as a third-generation grower and distributor in the North American market. A graduate of Wayne State University, he has been recognized for his industry contributions.

Christopher (Chris) Williams, a respected executive in the food industry and vice president of sales at Rä Foods, died Thursday, March 20 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 44. 

Mr. Williams dedicated his career to the food industry, beginning in 2004 with sales and customer development at Tyson Foods. His journey continued with key roles in marketing, sales and business management at WhiteWave Foods, Danone, Fishpeople Seafood and Mikey’s LLC. In 2023, he joined Rä Foods as vice president of sales, representing the Wild About Sprouts and Wild About Mixmi brands. 

J&C Tropicals added Ray Mason as the newest member of its business development team. Mason brings over 25 years of experience in the produce industry, with a strong background in greenhouse-grown products, sales, procurement and logistics.

Mason’s journey in the produce industry began in the late 1990s with Farmers Premium Produce in Nebraska, where he started as a warehouse manager before quickly moving up the ranks into procurement, logistics and sales. Over the years, he held key roles at Lakeside Produce and Red Sun Farms, where he worked closely with major retailers, wholesalers and