Oxnard, CA – Mission Produce, Inc., the world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh avocados, today announced that James (“Jim”) Donovan, Sr. VP of Global Info. & Industry Affairs, is retiring after over 36 years with the organization. During his expansive stretch at Mission, Jim garnered a strong reputation in sales, operations, and industry relations, but spent the better part of his career in a senior level global sourcing position. He joined the Company as an Export Sales Manager in 1984 after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business.
Among his career accomplishments, Jim played a key role in developing major the growing and distribution sources in Mexico, Chile and Peru, as well as Colombia and New Zealand. He also laid the groundwork for forming relationships with leading retailers and buyers in Asia and Europe. Throughout his time at Mission, Jim helped establish and served on many avocado industry associations including the Hass Avocado Board, Mexican Importers and Handlers Association, Peruvian Avocado Committee, Chilean Avocado Importers Association, and the World Avocado Organization. With the help of Jim’s leadership and global vision, Mission has become the world’s most advanced avocado network and a leader in its industry.
“Jim was instrumental in establishing our sourcing and sales strategies abroad, which has contributed to Mission’s global success today,” said Steve Barnard, President and CEO at Mission Produce. “He conceptualized the potential of the avocado from a niche fruit to a global, mainstream food. On behalf of everyone at Mission, I would like to thank Jim for his outstanding contributions to our Company.”
“As both his friend and colleague, I’ve greatly enjoyed working alongside Jim over the past 35 years,” said Ross Wileman, Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing at Mission Produce. “He is a loyal and fun leader who has dedicated much of his life to building Mission and navigating our exciting industry. Though we will miss his enthusiasm in the office, I wish Jim all the best in his retirement.”
“It’s been an honor to be a part of Mission’s journey since its infancy, from a small California-based avocado packer to a global, successful publicly-traded Company,” said Jim Donovan, Sr. VP of Global Info. & Industry Affairs at Mission Produce. “I’ve met and worked with some of the most remarkable and passionate people in the global avocado and produce industry. I am extremely humbled by the success we’ve experienced in my tenure at Mission and look forward to its continued growth.”
About Mission Produce, Inc.: Mission Produce is the world’s most advanced avocado network. For more than 35 years, Mission
Produce has been recognized as the leader in the worldwide avocado business, sourcing, producing and distributing fresh avocados, servicing retail, wholesale and foodservice customers in over 25 countries. The vertically integrated Company owns and operates four state-of-the-art avocado packing facilities in key growing locations globally including California, Mexico & Peru and has additional sourcing capabilities in Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, New Zealand, & South Africa. Mission’s global distribution network includes eleven forward distribution centers in North America, China & Europe that offer value-added services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing and logistical management. In addition, Mission owns over 11,000 acres globally, allowing for diversified sourcing and access to complementary growing seasons, while ensuring its customers receive the highest quality fruit possible. Mission is the largest global supplier of the World’s Finest Avocados, for more information please visit worldsfinestavocados.com.
