Naples, FL March 19, 2010 — Dwight Ferguson, CEO/President of Naturipe Farms today announced a new executive management team structure for the company. Effective April 1, Robert Verloop, currently Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing will be Executive Vice President of Marketing; Brian Bocock, currently Vice President of Sales, will be Vice President of Product Management; and Jim Roberts, currently Senior Director of Retail Sales will serve as Vice President of Sales.
Dwight Ferguson commented on the new team structure: These changes will more appropriately align our structure with our strategies by placing our most senior people in the right roles. It is always a top priority for us to find better ways to serve our customers and our expanding grower base. I believe these changes will support that purpose and Im delighted to have the opportunity to work with this team.
Robert Verloop will be appointed Executive Vice President of Marketing, a new position at the company. Robert has been with Naturipe Farms since early 2008. He joined Naturipe Farms after he served in a series of senior-level marketing positions at Sunkist, including as Vice President of Marketing. Previously, Robert held similar positions at buyproduce.com and the California Avocado Commission. In his new role, Robert will advance important marketing-related strategies and lead enhanced efforts in innovation and new business development.
Brian Bocock will be named to the newly-created position of Vice President of Product Management. Brian has been with Naturipe Farms since its inception, and has been Vice President of Sales since 2003. Prior to joining to Naturipe Farms, Brian held a number of sales-related positions at Global Berry Farms, the predecessor to what is now Naturipe Farms. In his new role, Brian will lead important supply-related strategies which will include production expansion, planning and forecasting, and coordinating with grower partners.
Jim Roberts will be promoted to Vice President of Sales. Jim joined Naturipe Farms as Northeast Account Manager in 2004 and has served as Senior Director of Sales since 2007. Prior to joining Naturipe Farms, Jim held a number of produce procurement and merchandising positions at Albertsons and Shaws Supermarkets. He brings a proven track record of success, having contributed to significant sales and share growth in the northeast as well as with national accounts. In his new role, Jim will lead customer development initiatives and advance growth with strategic accounts.
Source: Naturipe Farms, LLC
Caption: From right to left, Robert Verloop, Brian Bocock and Jim Roberts