Chiquita Brands International has announced today that the company's board of directors has appointed Brian Kocher, currently the company's president for Europe and the Middle East, as its new senior vice-president and chief financial officer (CFO).
In his new role, Kocher will be responsible for all the aspects of the company's financial operations worldwide, and succeeds Michael Sims who has resigned to accept an assignment with another company.
'I am extremely pleased to announce Brian's new role as chief financial officer,' said Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer at Chiquita. 'Brian's outstanding track record of success in senior finance and operational roles makes him an ideal leader for our company. Brian has long been part of our succession planning, and his first-hand knowledge of our industry in Europe and North America provides a breadth of experience that will accelerate our ability to grow our business and to build on the momentum he has helped to create.
Kocher joined the company in 2005 and most recently served as president for Europe and the Middle East where he had responsibility for leading the company's operations throughout the region, including bananas, other produce and diversified value-added products. Previously, he served as president for North America, where he led the successful transformation of Chiquita's North American banana and salad business.
Chiquita has initiated a search process to identify a new president for Europe and the Middle East, and in the interim Kocher will continue to oversee Chiquita's European business.
'I want to thank Mike Sims for his tremendous contributions to Chiquita during his more than 20 years with the company,' Aguirre added. 'His leadership and record of accomplishment leave an impressive legacy, and the foundation he helped create will continue to serve us well. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.'
No comments yet