Church Brothers Farms announced that after 15 years of dedicated service, Robert Thurber is retiring from its board of directors, leaving behind strategic contributions that have significantly shaped the company’s growth. In a new chapter of leadership, Emanuel Lazopoulos, a seasoned veteran in the produce industry, will join the board, bringing with him a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives to help guide the company forward. This transition marks an exciting milestone for Church Brothers as it looks ahead to a future of innovation and growth.

Thurber, formerly vice president of

Driscoll’s announces the retirement of Tom O’Brien, senior vice president of global human resources and general counsel, who will step down from his leadership role early in the year. A pivotal figure in the produce industry with a career spanning more than 30 years, O’Brien leaves behind a remarkable legacy of innovation, advocacy and leadership.

O’Brien’s relationship with Driscoll’s began nearly 25 years ago when he represented the company as an attorney in Washington, DC. In 2014, he became Driscoll’s first general counsel, and his role steadily expanded over the years to include

Dole announced the appointment of Mike Secor as vice president of marketing, Americas and the expansion of Stacy Smoot's current executive sales role into vice president, retail and foodservice sales. Secor and Smoot succeed previous Vice President of Marketing Nora Witt and Vice President of Foodservice Stuart McAllister, who announced their retirements in 2024.  

"We are incredibly grateful for Nora and Stuart's contributions at Dole. During their time with the company, Nora has helped Dole reach key milestones such as launching 11 new innovations in a single year for the brand's U.S

The Kroger Co. announced its succession plan for its chief financial officer. David Kennerley, senior vice president and CFO for PepsiCo Europe, will succeed Todd Foley as senior vice president and CFO, effective April 3.

Kennerley will join Kroger on March 10 as senior vice president while Foley continues as interim CFO through the end of Kroger's fiscal year 2024 reporting cycle. Foley will remain a senior vice president of the company and continue to serve on the senior leadership team to support the company during this transition period until the end of Kroger's first quarter.

"Consisten

At its annual meeting held in Goldsboro, NC, the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission elected a new slate of officers.

Each year the board of directors has the privilege of selecting a recipient of the NC Sweetpotato Commission Distinguished Service Award. This award is to be presented to an individual (or individuals) who has rendered outstanding service to North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry. For his contribution to the  North Carolina sweetpotato Industry, Commission and its growers, the 2025 Distinguished Service Award was proudly presented to John Cooper, president of Connect C LLC.

Allegiance Retail Services President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph Fantozzi has been named 2025 Person of the Year by the Catholic Institute of the Food Industry. The recognition was celebrated at a dinner attended by 235 industry professionals at the Garden City Hotel in Garden City, Long Island, NY.

CIFI, established in 1946, recognizes leaders in the food industry who demonstrate exceptional commitment to charitable giving and community service. The organization’s selection of Fantozzi reflects his dedication to these values and his industry leadership.

“It is my honor to be the 2025