KELOWNA, B.C. – The BC Tree Fruits Cooperative Board of Directors are pleased to announce the hiring of Stan Swales as Chief Executive Officer effective yesterday, November 28, 2016. Stan re-joins the Cooperative and brings with him over 30 years of industry experience.
“After a long search, we are excited to move forward with our selection of Stan,” says BC Tree Fruits Cooperative President Jeet Dukhia. “The Board of Directors is confident Stan will build on the trust between Cooperative members and staff while working towards a strong, sustainable industry for our members.”
Stan started in the industry in 1985 at Okanagan North Growers Co-Op in Winfield where he spent 20 years in various roles, including both horticulture and operations. From there Stan moved to Growers Supply Co. Ltd. as the General Manager where he remained for 10 years. For the last year Stan was with BASF Canada as a business representative.
“I am thrilled to be back with the Cooperative as the new CEO,” states Stan Swales. “Over the span of my career in the industry, I have worked in some capacity at almost every level. With that comes the understanding of the needs and challenges both the membership and the Cooperative face and I feel I can draw on my experience to help guide our Cooperative moving forward.”
While Stan’s first day on the job is today, he will be in the office full-time starting December 27. Chief Financial Officer Warren Everton will remain acting CEO until then.
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About BC Tree Fruits:
BC Tree Fruits Cooperative and is owned by 500 local grower families. The organization markets and distributes a variety of BC-grown fruit including apples, pears, cherries, peaches, apricots, prune plums and blueberries. BC Tree Fruits’ head office is based in Kelowna, B.C. www.bctree.com | www.twitter.com/bctreefruits | facebook.com/bctree
Source: BC Tree Fruits
