Chiquita Brands International has named Edward Lonergan as its new president and chief executive, replacing Fernando Aguirre.
Lonergan moves from Diversey, a global sanitation and hygiene solution company, where he was also president and CEO. He was credited with leading a strategic and financial turnaround of the company, improving efficiency and shareholder value as well as establishing Diversey as a leader in sustainability.
He has also held senior roles as president of the European region for Gillette and various positions at Procter & Gamble.
"Ed brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across many industries, and is widely recognised as an outstanding business leader with an impressive track record of success,” said Chiquita chairwoman Kerrii B Anderson, who was also named non-executive chair of the board of directors this week. “Ed's leadership and operational expertise ideally suit him to lead Chiquita in its next phase of growth. I look forward to working closely with Ed as we continue to execute our strategic priorities and create stockholder value."
Lonergan added: "I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead Chiquita, a company with strong equity and high-quality products. Chiquita has a solid foundation on which to build, and an excellent team in place that is well equipped to take the necessary steps to drive change and enhance operations.
“I am committed to working closely with the board, management team and talented employees to continue the company's financial and strategic turnaround, aimed at refocusing and re-energising the core business and driving down costs. We believe this strategy will allow Chiquita to enhance its competitive position and further align its operations and investments to increase profitability, improve cash flow, reduce debt and drive long-term shareholder value."
Aguirre, who had previously announced his decision to step down, will be available for a one-year period as a consultant to assist in the transition.
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