Sunkist Growers has announced key management changes ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. Lance McMillan has been promoted to director of North American sales and Brian Slagel, former director of North American sales, has been named director of strategic sales.
The marketer said McMillan brings a deep knowledge of packinghouse operations along with a proven track record in sales results to this role, while Slagel, in his new position, will develop and oversee sales accounts of strategic importance to Sunkist to foster growth opportunities.
“Sunkist is looking forward to a strong citrus season ahead, and we are pleased to announce these strategic changes to our sales leadership structure,” said senior vice president and COO, John Striff.
“Lance McMillan and Brian Slagel are seasoned executives who have a rich history with Sunkist and they bring tremendous value to our organisation. We look forward to the contributions and growth opportunities they will both offer Sunkist in these new roles.”
McMillan has worked in the produce industry for over 18 years, previously working in Sunkist-affiliated packinghouses and running his own agricultural marketing business before joining Sunkist as senior account manager in 2002. He is a graduate of San Diego State University and was honoured as a Dupont Fellow of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Programme’s class of 2000.
Slagel joined Sunkist at the Pittsburgh sales office in 1991, shortly after graduating from Pennsylvania State University. After leaving Sunkist to work in sales for Dole Citrus, Slagel returned to Sunkist as the manager of the Cleveland sales office in 1997, and has since been a critical part of Sunkist’s sales network expansion and improvement.
