Fresh Produce Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mano Babiolakis as CEO-elect of the company effective 1 June 2010.
Mr Babiolakis is widely known and very well respected in both the local and international produce industries from his previous roles as CEO of CostaExchange and Chiquita Brands South Pacific from 2002 until early 2010.
During his tenure at CostaExchange, Mano managed the integration of the Chiquita Brands South Pacific into the Costa family business, leading to the formation of CostaExchange. The combined operations comprised of 5,500 full time and seasonal employees in more than 40 locations with an annual turnover of $700m.
Fresh Produce Group founder and CEO, Robert Nugan said “this is a most significant and exciting appointment in the evolution of our company. FPG has enjoyed dynamic growth in recent years and I am very proud that Mano has agreed to join us in this critical leadership position to continue to build and guide the future of FPG. His deep industry experience, high level relationships, knowledge and enthusiasm will be invaluable to help conquer the challenges before us.”
“Since leaving CostaExchange in January, I have met with many quality organisations both in Australia and overseas to determine my next career move, said Mr Babiolakis. I have known and respected Robert Nugan for many years and watched the expansion of FPG which has been impressive. I am very enthusiastic about working closely with him and playing my part in contributing to that momentum in the coming years.”
Mr Babiolakis will work alongside Mr Nugan in the coming months and at an appropriate time in the near future will transition into the CEO role. Mr Nugan will then assume the role as Executive Chairman of the FPG Group.
Source: Fresh Produce Group