BAKERSFIELD, CA - Congratulations are in order for two industry executives. It was announced that Peter Vitarisi is stepping in as Grimmway Farms’ new Chief People Officer, following the announcement that Sara Oliver has officially stepped down from the role after more than 30 years.

“Over the last seven months, I have experienced first-hand the commitment and people-first approach that Sara has instilled at Grimmway over more than three decades,” said Vitarisi. “Grimmway employees are the heart and soul of this company, and I look forward to building upon Sara’s legacy of attracting and developing top talent and advancing an inclusive culture that honors the company’s history as a caring and responsible employer.”

Vitarisi joined Grimmway earlier this year with more than 20 years of strategic human resources experience, a press release stated. Following a collaborative and intentional transition period, Vitarisi now assumes Oliver’s day-to-day responsibilities as she moves into an advisory role until her official retirement in January 2025.

In his former position as CPO with Basic American Foods, Vitarisi was responsible for driving employee engagement, talent recruitment, and retention. Previously, he served in executive HR roles with E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto and J.M. Smucker Company in five diverse regions within the United States and Canada.

As Vitarisi steps into this role, Grimmway also says farewell to Oliver.

“It has been an honor to work with the generations of employees who have built Grimmway into the great company it is today,” said Oliver. “While this is a bittersweet moment, I fortunately have the opportunity to continue to collaborate with Jeff, Peter, and the team in an advisory capacity over the next few months.”

During her long and distinguished tenure, Oliver was responsible for overseeing Grimmway’s employee relations, career development, education and training, and health and wellness programs. She also managed the teams responsible for government and community relations and corporate philanthropy.

“Sara’s commitment to expanding career opportunities for our family of employees, combined with her dedication to recruiting and retaining exceptional talent across all areas of the business, has been instrumental in Grimmway’s continued growth and success,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Huckaby. “Sara has advanced professional development opportunities for women throughout the company, and she has always championed dignity, respect, fairness, and safety for our dedicated employees.”

Congratulations to both of these leaders!