Banana giant Chiquita has appointed company veteran Craig Stephen as senior vice president of sales and marketing for convenience subsidiary Fresh Express.
Stephen, who is currently on the board of Produce Marketing Association (PMA), will have responsibility for Fresh Express sales, marketing and customer service operations, as the firm continues to expand its retail value-added and private label salads.
“Craig is highly regarded and respected by all stakeholders across the fresh produce industry,” said Chiquita’s chief operating officer, Brian W. Kocher. “We are confident that his extensive operational experience, coupled with his leadership and industry insights will help us consistently deliver superior customer service as we continue to profitably grow our Fresh Express business.”
Stephen has served more than 20 years with Chiquita and led the turnaround of the company’s North American banana business between 2007 and 2012, in his role as vice president and general manager for Chiquita Brands North America.
Previously he was the chief strategy officer for software and consulting multinational, N2N Global, focused on the food supply chain industry.
