Chiquita Brands International has today announced two leadership changes in its European/Middle Eastern and North American markets, as part of its internal leadership succession programme.
The US-based fresh produce giant has appointed its current president for North America, Brian Kocher, as president of its Europe and Middle East division, with Joseph Huston named as his successor.
According to the group, both moves will provide continuity of leadership in key business areas and will position Chiquita to continue to improve its profitability.
'Brian and Joe are proven executives who have worked together closely to lead our business turnaround in North American bananas and salads,' said Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer at Chiquita. 'As president of Europe, Brian will bring the same focus, discipline and execution that he has demonstrated in North America to revitalise our profitability in the region, which is our foremost business priority.
'Joe has a proven track record in North America,' Mr Aguirre added. 'He has been prepared and developed to lead the region through assignments in both our banana and salad operations, and he has the focus and drive to sustain the momentum of our profit improvements.'
Mr Aguirre noted that the leadership team would help extend the growth of Chiquita's brands, manage costs and build ties with consumers, customers and employees, and said that he was confident both Mr Huston and Mr Kocher would help accelerate the execution of growth strategies.
As president of the group's North American division, Mr Huston, who joined Chiquita in 2004, will be responsible for leading the company's bananas, value-added salads and other produce businesses in the region.
Similarly, Mr Kocher will be responsible for leading the company's operations across the European market, including bananas, other produce and diversified value-added products.
Following Mr Kocher's appointment, Michel Loeb, who has led the Chiquita's European business since 2004, will serve in a special assignment role, reporting to Mr Aguirre.
'I thank Michel for his leadership during a time when our business in Europe has changed significantly and facedunprecedented headwinds managing the changes of the EU Tariff regime,' Mr Aguirre added. 'He led the successful launch of Just Fruit in a Bottle that now forms the basis of our joint venture with Danone, extended our brand presence with consumers into new channels and led the relocation of our European headquarters to Rolle, Switzerland where he successfully recruited a talented new team.'
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