AgroFresh Solutions Inc., a global leader in near- and post-harvest produce freshness solutions, has recently made significant changes to its Board of Directors. The company, which aims to reduce food loss and waste, recently announced a go-private transaction with investment funds associated with Paine Schwartz Partners. As part of this transition, AgroFresh has appointed a diverse mix of industry experts to its Board, bringing in global expertise from across the fresh produce supply chain.
The new Board of Directors includes seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to AgroFresh. Brian Kocher, former CEO of Calavo, will serve as the Board Chair. Kocher has over 30 years of experience in the food industry and has held executive roles in general management, finance, and sales across renowned companies such as Calavo Growers Inc., Castellini, and Chiquita Brands International. He has also played leadership roles in industry associations, including chairing the United Fresh Produce Association and industry-wide committees focused on advancing Good Agricultural Practices and Ethical Labor Standards.
David McInerney, founder and former CEO of Fresh Direct, joins the Board, leveraging his three decades of experience in unlocking value creation and profitable growth for consumer and retail businesses. McInerney was instrumental in establishing FreshDirect as the leading online grocer in the United States. He currently serves on the Board of directors for the New York Common Pantry, an organization dedicated to reducing hunger and promoting dignity.
Tina Lawton, former APAC President at Syngenta, brings more than 30 years of experience in the food and agriculture industry to the Board. She has held senior executive positions at Syngenta and served as the Chief Growth Officer at Ÿnsect. Lawton has been actively involved with promoting women in agribusiness, serving as an advisor to Women in Agribusiness, and being awarded the WBCSD Leading Women Award in 2018. She serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Yara International and Unifrutti Group.
Sandor Nagy, the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Supply Chain at Driscoll’s is another valuable addition to AgroFresh’s Board. Nagy has over 30 years of experience in operations and supply chain leadership and has worked in various industries and geographies. His expertise in developing supply bases across different regions will be instrumental in AgroFresh’s global operations.
Clint Lewis, CEO of AgroFresh, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating that the company now has a stronger focus and support to become the global leader in the post-harvest sector of the fresh produce industry. Lewis highlighted the diverse mix of industry executives from around the world on the Board, all of whom possess decades of combined experience in food and agriculture. The new Board will play a crucial role in guiding AgroFresh as it strives to help customers worldwide produce high-quality fresh produce consistently, minimize food loss, and promote sustainable practices.
AgroFresh has a comprehensive portfolio of global post-harvest freshness and quality product solutions. With 40 years of post-harvest experience across various crops, the company offers science-based solutions, data-driven digital technologies, and high-touch customer services to support growers, packers, and retailers in enhancing the quality and extending the shelf life of fresh produce.
Image provided by AgroFresh Solutions Inc
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