Brian Kocher Named President and CEO of the Castellini Group of Companies
CINCINNATI, OH - Effective January 1, 2017, one of the largest distributors of fresh produce in the U.S. will have a new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Beginning the first of next year, Brian Kocher will take over as President and CEO for the Castellini Group of Companies. As the new President and CEO, Kocher will focus on continued growth, operational efficiencies, and creating customer value.
“We are excited to have Brian transition into the role of President and CEO,” said Bob Castellini, Chairman of Castellini Group. “Brian is a natural leader who has earned the respect of his team, his colleagues and the produce industry. Brian will lead the company as we continue to pursue new business opportunities and innovate to serve our customers’ needs.”
Bill Schuler, who has served as Castellini Group’s President and CEO for the past 17 years, and logged over 31 years in total with the company, is retiring—though he will continue to serve as an executive advisor during the transition.
“We are grateful to Bill Schuler for his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the Castellini Group of Companies and its many associates, customers and supply partners,” said Castellini. “Under Bill’s leadership the Castellini Group of Companies has enjoyed significant growth especially in terms of expanding our distribution reach and growing our fresh-cut processing and logistics businesses."
"Bill has made many contributions to the produce industry over the past 30 years including serving as Chairman of the Produce Marketing Association in 2010,” he continued, according to a recent release.
Kocher had previously served as CEO of Chiquita Brands International before joining Castellini Group as COO in April of 2015. Kocher had also held various positions at Chiquita including COO, CFO, President of North America Operations, and President of Europe and the Middle East Operations. Kocher has also served as Chairman of the United Fresh Produce Association.
We congratulate Kocher on his new position and Schuler on his retirement and extraordinary body of work. For more developments in the produce industry, check in with AndNowUKnow.
