US grape giant Pandol Brothers Inc. is looking for a new chief executive officer, following an announcement last week that Jack Breech will retire from the company.
The Pandol family, since 1941, has built one of the premier table grape brands in the produce industry. The family hired Breech as its first ceo in 2001 to help transition the company from its entrepreneurial roots to professional management and financial discipline.
“We were going through a pivotal time in our history, and we needed someone to guide us through that transition,” said Andrew Pandol. “Jack knew our business and shared our family’s values so we turned to him for leadership. He not only fulfilled his five-year commitment, but he gave us a sixth year.”
Before taking the role, Breech had run Agri-Cel, Inc, the family’s packaging company. Jack Pandol Jr said the family business will take its time looking for a new ceo, seeking out candidates who embody the family’s values and can expand the company’s competitive positioning in the marketplace.
“The Pandol family is the icon of the table grape industry, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of them for 25 years. We’ve built a very solid family business together, and we’re in a good position to move to a stronger consumer marketing platform,” Breech said in announcing his retirement from the company.
Produce executive recruiter Mixtec has been commissioned to recruit a new chief executive. Breech will continue as ceo until his replacement is on board.
