AppHarvest Names Julie Nelson EVP, Operations to Build Industry-Leading Manufacturing and Supply Chain Capabilities and Drive Performance Across Network of Farms

Rhea-AI Summary

AppHarvest has appointed Julie Nelson as its new Executive Vice President of Operations, leveraging her extensive experience from PepsiCo and McKinsey. Nelson will focus on enhancing productivity across AppHarvest's network of high-tech indoor farms, aiming to achieve profitable growth. Her background in optimizing supply chains and commitment to sustainability aligns with AppHarvest's mission of producing food with reduced water consumption. The company operates one of the largest indoor farms in the U.S., revolutionizing agricultural practices.

Positive

• Appointment of Julie Nelson aims to improve productivity and profitability.
• Nelson's experience in supply chain optimization may enhance operational efficiency.
• Focus on sustainability aligns with the company's mission and values.

Negative

• None.

AppHarvest to leverage Nelson’s proven experience at PepsiCo, McKinsey to drive productivity across the company’s network of high-tech indoor farms and optimize operations to support profitable growth

MOREHEAD, Ky., Aug. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgTech leader AppHarvest (NASDAQ: APPH, APPHW), a public benefit company and certified B Corporation focused on farming more sustainably using up to 90% less water than open-field agriculture and only recycled rainwater, has named Julie Nelson its executive vice president, operations. Nelson will lead efforts to scale AppHarvest’s network of farms and to build manufacturing and supply chain capability to ensure efficient delivery of consistent, high-quality products to major grocers and restaurants.

“Julie’s deep experience optimizing complex manufacturing and distribution networks for major consumer goods companies and her proven ability to drive productivity across the supply chain will help us to deliver improved profitability as we scale,” said AppHarvest President David Lee.

Nelson will play an integral role as an executive management committee member, reporting to President David Lee, and will aid in developing company strategy, establishing operations and driving efficiency to reach productivity and cost goals while ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.

“Julie has battleground-tested experience in scaling operations across sites,” said AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb. “Her recent focus on improving sustainability in the food and beverage supply chain by reducing food waste, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions makes her a natural fit at AppHarvest.”   

Nelson joins AppHarvest most recently from McKinsey & Company, following a long tenure with PepsiCo, where she led supply chain teams in the North American beverage business and the global operations team. Her focus areas included network optimization, scaling new digital technologies and end-to-end value chain productivity.

“AppHarvest’s mission aligns with my personal values,” Nelson said. “AppHarvest’s vision of combining the best that nature offers boosted with world-class technology to sustainably and affordably grow nutritious fruits and vegetables is inspiring, and I look forward to building a best-in-class operational team in support of this mission to build a climate-resilient food supply.”

Nelson holds a bachelor of science in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is an advisory council member for the West Virginia University Global Supply Chain Management Program.

About AppHarvest

AppHarvest is an applied technology company in Appalachia developing and operating some of the world’s largest high-tech indoor farms, designed to grow non-GMO, chemical pesticide-free produce, using up to 90 percent less water than open-field agriculture and only recycled rainwater while producing yields up to 30 times that of traditional agriculture on the same amount of land without agricultural runoff. The company combines the best that nature offers boosted with world-class technology including artificial intelligence and robotics to improve access for all to nutritious food, farming more sustainably, building a domestic food supply, and increasing investment in Appalachia. The company’s 60-acre Morehead, Ky. facility is among the largest indoor farms in the U.S. For more information, visit https://www.appharvest.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Travis Parman, Travis.Parman@appharvest.com;
Blair Carpenter, Blair.Carpenter@appharvest.com
IMAGE/VIDEO GALLERY: Available here

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a5bb412-6885-452f-b1ea-95ac509dcfe8

FAQ

Who has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Operations at AppHarvest?

Julie Nelson has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Operations at AppHarvest.

What experience does Julie Nelson bring to AppHarvest?

Julie Nelson brings extensive experience from PepsiCo and McKinsey, focusing on supply chain optimization and sustainability.

How does AppHarvest's farming approach differ from traditional agriculture?

AppHarvest uses high-tech indoor farming techniques that require up to 90% less water than traditional open-field agriculture.

What is the significance of Julie Nelson's appointment for AppHarvest's growth?

Nelson's appointment is expected to drive productivity and improve operational efficiency, supporting AppHarvest's growth strategy.

What are AppHarvest's sustainability goals?

AppHarvest aims to produce food using recycled rainwater and reducing food waste, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.