Santa Paula-based Calavo Growers, Inc. has announced that Brian Kocher has been appointed the avocado company’s chief executive officer.
The appointment will become effective Feb. 1.
“After conducting a thorough search, including interviews with several well qualified candidates, Brian Kocher was the clear choice of our board of directors,” said Calavo Chairman Link Leavens in a statement. “Brian’s deep knowledge, expertise and operational leadership in the fresh produce industry as a CEO, COO and CFO make him uniquely qualified to lead Calavo forward and position our company for growth.”
Said Kocher in a statement: “I am thrilled and privileged to join and lead Calavo for its next phase of growth and transformation. I’m excited about the actions and initiatives that are in place and look forward to accelerating the impact of those initiatives while capitalizing on consumer trends that support Calavo’s growth. Most importantly, I am honored to join a team focused on the success of our customers and each other.”
Prior to joining Calavo, Kocher served as the chief executive of the Castellini Group of Cos., one of the largest distributors of fresh produce in the United States. Prior to Castellini, Kocher held several executive roles, including interim chief executive, at Chiquita Brands International, the leading producer and distributor of bananas and other produce.
Kocher will succeed Steve Hollister, who has served as Calavo’s Interim chief executive since September. Hollister will return to serving as an independent member of Calavo’s board on Feb. 1.
“I am honored to have led Calavo as Interim CEO during this important time for the company and would like to thank all of our employees for their dedication and commitment,” Hollister said in a statement. “Along with the board of directors, I strongly believe the future of Calavo will be in great hands under the leadership of Brian Kocher.”
The company announced the leadership change Wednesday. Shares of Calavo (CVGW) closed Thursday at $42.12, down 44 cents or 1 percent on a day that the Nasdaq was up a fraction of a percent.