News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2008
Media Contact: Amy Philpott, 202-303-3425
Washington, D.C. - United Fresh Produce Association Chairman of the Board Emanuel Lazopoulos has announced the appointment of two industry leaders to the Board of Directors of the Association to fill open seats formerly held by colleagues within their companies.
Mike Cavallero is President, North American Tropical Fresh Fruit, Dole Fresh Fruit Company, a position he has held since 2001. His responsibilities include overseeing Dole’s fresh fruit and vegetables marketing departments, as well as the North American banana, tropical fruit, deciduous and vegetable sales divisions. He began his career with Dole in 1974 as a technical services representative. Cavallero will be serving his second term on the United Fresh Board, having first served from 1996 to 2000. Cavallero is replacing former Dole executive Richard Dahl.
Brian Kocher is President, North America, Chiquita Brands International, Inc., where he is responsible for all aspects of the company’s operations in the region, including value-added salads, bananas and other produce. Kocher joined Chiquita in 2005 and served most recently as Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining Chiquita, he worked for three years at Hill-Rom, a leading provider of medical equipment and integrated caregiver solutions. He previously held a number of positions with General Electric Co. in the financial and information technology areas. He began his career as an auditor at Price Waterhouse. Kocher has served on a number of boards in several banking institutions in the United Kingdom and France, as well as the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association, a leading medical industry trade association. He replaces Bob Kistinger, who left Chiquita at the end of 2007.
“We are honored to have Mike and Brian joining the Board of Directors at this time,” Lazopoulos said. “Both Mike and Brian bring significant personal expertise to the Board, and their companies represent important leaders in our industry.” The new directors will take office at the next United Fresh Board meeting, January 24-26, in San Jose, Costa Rica.
