CORAL GABLES, FL - Maintaining the flow of leadership changes across the fresh produce industry, Chestnut Hill Farms, vertically integrated importer of fresh pineapples, has revealed a transition across its Executive team and Advisory Board. Effective February 1, Martin S. Jensen stepped in as President and Chief Operating Officer as Raul Romero stepped down from the role. William (Bill) Sheridan has also been appointed to the company's Advisory Board.

Jensen joined Chestnut Hill Farms in 2018, serving as General Counsel; Operations Coordinator; Director of Operations; and Vice President North America Sales, Operations, and Logistics, a position he earned in 2021.

Prior to coming on board at Chestnut Hill Farms, he served as Associate Counsel for Gibraltar Private Bank, according to a press release. In his position as Associate Counsel, he gained valuable experience in corporate governance and regulatory issues, negotiating, and managing litigation. Before that, he worked for Sol Group Marketing Company, a subsidiary of Fyffes, where he handled legal and business dealings including providing counsel for strategic business decisions, managing the acquisition of a banana plantation in Central America, overseeing key land trusts for farm holdings in Honduras, and managing claims, litigation, and immigration matters.

"Martin brings valuable experience in all aspects of agribusiness operations, and he has the skills and passion that will guide Chestnut Hill Farms well into the future," said Romero. "Martin's strategic, innovative, and analytical mind drives him as a change agent at Chestnut Hill Farms. He has the skills and vision to lead as President and COO. We are extremely enthusiastic about the future with Martin at the helm."

Jensen will be taking over the role of President and COO from Romero, who will be stepping down and into the position of Executive Director for the Chestnut Hill Farms Advisory Board.

Trond S. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Advisory Board commented on the transition.

"For the past 30 years, Raul has been the foundation of the company's operational success, and critical in the growth of our company," he said. "He has spent more years with Chestnut Hill Farms than anyone else, including myself. Raul is a great leader and mentor, who has challenged us all through the years, making us better through his high standards, guidance, and knowledge of pineapples and the fresh fruit industry. His continued leadership on the Board will be invaluable and assure continuity as Chestnut Hill Farms enters the next phase of our growth."

As this executive transition takes place, the company's Advisory Board is also seeing changes as William (Bill) Sheridan has been appointed.

Prior to joining the Board, Sheridan held senior executive roles at Del Monte, Banacol, and One Banana, bringing a wealth of fresh produce knowledge and business acumen to the team. With 40 years of experience, he will assist in carrying out the Board's directives in sales and marketing to drive the company's success.

Best of luck to all of these leaders as they move forward in their careers!

Chestnut Hill Farms