Page 6 - Index

produce watch
ANNOUNCEMENT
DACHMAN TO TAKE REINS AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF BRIGHTER BITES
Rich Dachman, who has more than 40 years of experience in the produce industry, including 28 at Sysco, has been named chief executive at nonpro t Brighter Bites, Houston. Dachman recently retired from Sysco as vice president of produce for the global company. He had been a member of the Brighter Bites board of directors for more than three years. “I have loved being a Brighter Bites board member, where I had the chance
to work closely with the organization during a crucial phase of its growth,” said Dachman. Brighter Bites’ mission is to “change behavior among children and their families to prevent obesity and achieve long-term health.” A Denver native, Dachman began his career working for his family-owned business. Following its sale, he and his father opened a
new foodservice operation in Denver for Kraft Foods, Inc., before Dachman joined Kraft’s corporate of ce
in Chicago as national director of Produce in 1987. In 1992, he joined FreshPoint Inc., and was president
of FreshPoint Operating Companies in Houston, Denver, Atlanta and Salinas, CA. Dachman is a winner of multiple awards, including The Packer’s Foodservice Achievement Award, the Center for Growing Talent’s Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award and Produce for Better Health’s Excellence Award. Dachman was chairman of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) in 2012.
TRANSITION
UNITED FRESH PRODUCE ASSOCIATION
Rich Dachman
Amanda Grif n
The United Fresh Produce Associ- ation, Washington, DC, promoted Amanda Grif n to vice president, education and program manage- ment. Grif n, who manages United Fresh’s Produce Industry Leadership Program, joined the association in 2013. She also serves as the staff liaison to the Produce Leadership
Alumni Organization. “I have been overwhelmed by Amanda’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Produce Industry Leadership Program and the industry at large. She is a shining example of the leadership our industry needs,” said Kristen Reid, executive vice president, MIXTEC Group and Chairperson of United Fresh’s Produce Leadership Alumni Organi- zation.
TRANSITION
SEVEN SEAS
Steve Kim was recently named an
account manager in the Visalia, CA, of ce at Seven Seas, which is headquartered in Spring eld, IL. Kim brings nine years of perishable logistics and Asia market trading experience to the company. Kim, who was raised in Salinas, CA, was rst introduced to the produce
industry while in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a foodservice warehouse manager. Following that, he was a franchise owner at Quizno’s before making the jump into perishable logistics. Throughout his career, Kim has continued to leverage his connec- tions and expand his reach in the export realm.
TRANSITION
SAN MIGUEL PRODUCE
Steve Kim
John Killeen
San Miguel Produce, Inc., Oxnard, CA, hired John Killeen as vice president and general manager. Killeen, who has 30 years of expe- rience in the produce industry, last worked for Mastronardi Produce- West, where he served as director of business development. He began his career at Dole Fresh
Fruit and was involved in citrus and banana sales for nearly 10 years. Killeen has since held positions at New Star Fresh Foods LLC, Tanimura & Antle, and Muranaka Farm, Inc. Killeen has led successful teams throughout sales, marketing and operations in a variety of produce categories.
TRANSITION
NATUREFRESH FARMS
Paul Hulsbos, who began his
career in agriculture working at a family owned importer/exporter company and was responsible for sales and marketing of produce based in Holland, was named procurement manager in Mexico
for Leamington, ON-based Nature-
Fresh Farms. Among his new responsibilities, Hulsbos will be aligning growers to support NatureFresh Farms winter programs as well
as set up yearly commitments.
In other companywide news, NatureFresh recently launched its new Unveiled Mini Cucumbers. The mid-size cucumbers are highlighted by their pale complexion and extra crunch, making them ideal for snacking.
6 /AUGUST 2019 / PRODUCE BUSINESS
Paul Hulsbos