SANTA PAULA, CA - Global avocado purveyor and value-added fresh food provider Calavo Growers has announced a change to its Board of Directors. Board member Harold S. Edwards announced he has decided to retire from his position effective February 1, 2022.

Edwards has been with Calavo’s Board of Directors since 2006. The industry leader currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira Company. He has served as the CEO for the 123-year-old agricultural company since 2003 and held a Director position for Limoneira’s Board since 2009, according to his LinkedIn.

Noted in Calavo’s press release, Edwards has decided to step down to devote more time to his duties as Limoneira’s CEO.

“We appreciate Harold and his 16 years of service to Calavo and to the Board. His contributions have been invaluable,” said Calavo Chairman J. Link Leavens. “Harold’s retirement will bring the size of our board to 10 members, down from a high of 13, which is more in line with a company of our size.”

Calavo has undergone a few leadership changes over the past few months. In addition to promoting several new Vice Presidents of Sales and a Board of Directors appointment, the company tapped Brian W. Kocher as the incoming President and CEO. Kocher will step up to his new role on February 1.

Steve Hollister, Interim CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, expressed the relationship between the two companies will remain a fruitful one.

“Calavo’s relationship with Limoneira as one of our valued suppliers remains strong, and we look forward to our continued work with Harold in his capacity as Limoneira’s CEO,” commented Hollister.

Stay tuned as we keep an eye on the changing leaderships and appointments in all things fresh.

Calavo Growers