SANTA PAULA, CA - Heightened focus on our workforce has led to many advancements in our industry, one of them being a surge in creating or advancing the importance of positions to promote inclusivity. Calavo Growers is ensuring that the ball isn’t being dropped as it recently announced that Graciela Montgomery will be joining the company as its first Chief Human Resources Officer, effective October 11, 2021.

Calavo explains in its press release that Montgomery will be overseeing human resources, training, talent development, and recruitment for the company. Currently, Calavo has nearly 4,000 employees across the U.S. and in Mexico. Montgomery will be bringing with her an extensive knowledge base as she harnesses her expertise with national and multinational companies in the human resources arena.

Prior to joining Calavo, Montgomery led a consultancy specializing in the areas of leadership, organizational design, cultural transformation, and change management.

Before that, Montgomery held senior human resources positions with National Public Radio, Deckers Brands, AECOM, Nortel Networks, and Citibank, where she led initiatives in human resources development, recruiting, performance management, and total rewards.

“With a career that spans over 30 years, Graciela brings exceptional experience across all facets of human resources strategy and development on a global scale. She is a very capable human resources leader with the strategic know-how to build our HR organization to support a growing enterprise like Calavo,” said Steven Hollister, interim Chief Executive Officer of Calavo Growers. “In her seven-year tenure at Deckers Brands, Graciela spearheaded HR efforts that helped support that company’s revenue increase from $250 million to $2 billion. As we set the stage for our next major phase of growth, having Graciela at the head of our HR function, as well as on our executive leadership team, will ensure that we continue to build a world-class organization. We are delighted to welcome her aboard.”

Further building upon her extensive resume, Montgomery received her BA in communications and media from California State University, Los Angeles.

Congratulations to Graciela Montgomery as she steps into this monumental role!

Calavo