January 8, 2010; Immokalee, FL On January 5, 2010 Larry Lipman, CEO of the Lipman Family Companies (LFC) made his retirement official with an announcement to his staff. In early December of 2009 Lipman acknowledged his pending retirement plans, but did not share exact details regarding the expected timeline for his retirement or plans for a CEO search.
Lipman commented, Im proud to have worked for one of the finest produce companies in the country. Over my years, I have seen our company transform from a regional tomato grower to a national leader in tomato and vegetable production and packing. While I had a role in this evolution and success of the Company, we truly would not be where we are today had I not had such a talented group of people working with me at LFC.
An industry veteran, Lipman has been working for LFC for 50 years, learning the business and moving up the ranks to the position of CEO which he was promoted to in 1994. Under his leadership Lipman helped grow LFC to a position of national prominence that includes over 16,000 acres, production in 10 states and Mexico along with 7 packing facilities and a company owned greenhouse for research and development.
In addition to Lipmans announcement of his retirement he also named Toby Purse, current CFO, as interim CEO, President & COO of Lipman Family Enterprises, Inc. effective January 8, 2010.
Purse said, My tenure at LFC has been and continues to be a first class experience, including the time I spent working directly with Larry. His many years of produce experience have been invaluable to my professional growth. Now I look forward to the new challenge as interim CEO. Our company has solid growth plans that require continued attention as we work toward our long term goals. Im eager to keep the plan on track while we continue our search process for a new CEO.
Purse, with a background in finance, has been with LFC for 6 years, initially joining the company as a controller and later assuming the position of CFO/CAO.
On the appointment of Purse, Lipman remarked, While our search for a permanent CEO continues, I am confident that I am leaving LFC in good hands. I have no doubt Toby will do a terrific job of working with the LFC Family and continuing our tradition of success.
Source: The Lipman Family of Companies