American Association of Port Authorities selects new president, Stop & Shop president resigns, Sprouts appoints new president and more personnel changes
ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Newark, Del.
Dr. Bob Whitaker, PMA chief science and technology officer, announced his retirement from the organization, effective January 2020. Whitaker joined the organization in 2008 as PMA’s first chief science and technology officer. Over his 11-year tenure, Whitaker provided leadership for PMA’s efforts in food safety, technology, supply chain management and sustainability. He was also highly visible in the produce industry as a volunteer leader, speaker, industry advocate and champion for a science-forward approach. Before PMA, Whitaker spent 16 years as vice president for fruit and vegetable research in with DNA Plant Technology Corp. Before that, he worked for 10 years in food safety, product development and as vice president of process operations for NewStar Fresh Foods and its subsidiary, MissionStar Processing. Whitaker has served on the Center for Produce Safety board of directors and Executive Committee since its founding in 2007, and served as the first chair of the CPS technical committee from 2008-2013.
Food Marketing Institute (FMI), Arlington, Va.
Jill Dearing, vice president of corporate brands for C&S Wholesale Grocers, joined FMI’s Private Brands Group Executive Committee, responsible for setting the strategic direction and annual objectives of the Private Brands Group Leadership Council in research, education, membership and governance.