BAKERSFIELD, CA - A new executive with deep ties in Sun World International’s operations has stepped onto the scene. The company recently appointed Andrew Simpson as its new Executive Vice President of Intellectual Property, who was formerly a partner with Sun World’s U.S.-based IP law firm.

Simpson has been involved in developing Sun World’s licensing business, as well as its IP Portfolio, for the past 35 years. According to a press release, he holds a BSc degree in Chemistry from Salford University, Manchester, England, a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and was admitted to the Californian Bar.

In this new role, Simpson will be responsible for further growing Sun World’s patent and trademark portfolio while working closely with the company’s broader team to assess risks, enforce rights, and help negotiate solutions worldwide.

In his previous roles, the new EVP has helped to bolster Sun World varieties marketed under various grape varietal brands such as AUTUMNCRISP®, MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, SABLE SEEDLESS®, ADORA SEEDLESS®, SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS®, SOPHIA SEEDLESS®, and SUPERIOR SEEDLESS®, as well as stonefruit varietal brands such as BLACK DIAMOND® and HONEYCOT®.

“Our licensee base has grown from a few growers in Spain and South Africa to approximately 1,600 licensees in most of the world’s fruit-producing regions,” CEO David Marguleas said, adding that Simpson’s role emphasizes the growing importance of IP to the Company. “The growth in Sun World’s IP and customer base and the increasing appeal of our varieties and brands worldwide requires us to remain keenly focused on and vigilant in protecting our investment and that of our licensees in proprietary fruit genetics, new varieties, and the IP they comprise.”

Congratulations to Andrew Simpson on this exciting appointment!

Sun World International