SANTA PAULA, CA - A strategic leadership plan is falling into place at Calavo Growers as Steven Hollister has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. This move comes following his time spent as Interim Chief Executive Officer from September 2021, to January 31, 2022. As he takes over this new position, Brian W. Kocher will officially assume his place as President and CEO, as previously revealed.

“I’m appreciative of my fellow Board members for the trust and confidence they’ve placed in me by selecting me to serve as Chairman,” Hollister said. “I believe that my experience in finance and agriculture, in addition to my time as interim CEO, will continue to benefit both the Board and the company’s leadership team. I’m looking forward to working with and supporting Brian as he leads Calavo into what we believe will be a new phase of long-term growth to benefit all our stakeholders.”

Hollister has served the Board since 2008, according to a release. He has also been a Managing Member of Rocking Spade, a diversified investor and developer with interests in ranching and commercial properties, since 2001.

Prior to joining Calavo, he was Vice President of Sunrise Mortgage & Investment Company, General Manager of Niven Family Wine Estates, Chief Operating Officer of Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard and Santa Barbara County Wine Center, and Senior Vice President of Central Coast Farm Credit.

In taking on this new role, Hollister will succeed J. Link Leavens, who has served as Chairman since 2020. He will remain on the Board of Directors.

“It has been a privilege to serve as chairman of Calavo Growers,” Leavens commented. “I fully support Steve as he assumes this new role. It is a positive move for the company and its shareholders to have an independent chairman leading the board, and I look forward to my continued service on the board under Steve’s leadership.”

Congratulations to Steven Hollister on this new leadership role!

Calavo Growers