Sun World has announced several new appointments, including a new procurement director and a new director of product development.
Jason Higbee joins Sun World as the new director of procurement, located in Bakersfield, California. Higbee is very well qualified, as he held a similar role for the last twelve years with Botlhouse Farms. He will be responsible for inventory and supply chain management, supplier contracts, as well as the new ERP system.
Terry Bacon, formerly stonefruit breeder for R&D, has been promoted to director of product development, also located in Bakersfield. During the past few years, Bacon has developed the framework for the international licensees, and designed a breeding database and a photography library for the Sun World varieties. His new role will have him overseeing all activities related to this department.
On the farming front, Kyle Sweeney has been promoted to manager of the Arvin Operations by chief operations officer Kevin Andrew. Sweeney will oversee farming operations for all Sun World products.
At an international level, Johan Jooste, formerly general manager and vice-president of Sun World South Africa, has been appointed vice-president of international licensing. As a result of this promotion, Jooste assumes responsibility for directing all of the company’s licensing activities. His new duties will include oversight of staff and offices in South Africa, Chile, Europe, Australia and California, as well as of those people who help represent Sun World variety development interests in Brazil, Israel and Peru.
