Mission Produce Adds Shaunte Mears-Watkins to Board of Directors; Steve Barnard and Steve Bershad Comment
OXNARD, CA - As if knowing that nothing makes AndNowUKnow more excited than the announcement of a new leader, Mission Produce has given us the gift of a new Board Member this holiday season. The supplier appointed Shaunte Mears-Watkins to its Board of Directors, effective yesterday, December 14, and will stand for election at the company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Backed by over 20 years of experience, Mears-Watkins comes to Mission with an accomplished global sales and marketing executive career, as noted in a press release. She was chosen by the company for her innovative strategic perspective and global P&L leadership in the consumer produce and food industries.
Currently, she serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Clif Bar and Company. Before joining that team in the summer of 2021, Mears-Watkins spent almost 15 years at The Clorox Company in a series of leadership positions including Vice President of Marketing, Specialty Division, and General Manager Clorox Australia, and New Zealand. Most recently, she held the role of Vice President of Strategy and Chief of Staff to the Office of the Chief Executive Officer.
Adding to her prowess, she holds a BA from Stanford University in Economics and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Steve Barnard, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, commented on Mears-Watkins' recent appointment.
“We are excited to add such a strategic and innovative marketing and sales executive to our Board of Directors. Shaunte’s experience from a commercial and global perspective in the consumer product and food space is a complement to the other eight Board Members currently serving,” he relayed. “Her proficiency in driving growth with multiple brands such as Burts Bees, Kingsford, and Hidden Valley will be of value as we continue to build the Mission Produce brand globally.”
Steve Bershad, Chairman of the Board, added to the excitement for Mears-Watkins’ to join the Board.
“I am pleased Shaunte has joined our Board of Directors,” he said. “Not only does she provide valuable perspective with public experience, but her caliber and breadth of experience enhance the board’s overall expertise. In addition, her appointment further bolsters the independence of the Board of Directors.”
Congratulations to Shaunte Mears-Watkins on this new role!