Mission Produce Appoints Shaunte Mears-Watkins to Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) has appointed Shaunte Mears-Watkins to its board of directors, effective December 14, 2021. With over 20 years of experience in global sales and marketing, Mears-Watkins has held significant roles at Clif Bar and The Clorox Company. Her expertise is expected to enhance Mission's strategic direction, particularly in global growth and brand building. Both CEO Steve Barnard and Chairman Steve Bershad emphasize her marketing acumen and independence as valuable additions to the board, aimed at strengthening Mission's operational and strategic capabilities.

Positive

• Appointment of Shaunte Mears-Watkins expected to enhance board expertise.
• Mears-Watkins brings over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing.
• Her background in global P&L leadership could drive growth.

Negative

• Concerns about continuity and experience gaps in the board.
• New board member may need time to adapt to the company's culture.

OXNARD, Calif., Dec. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) (“Mission” or the “Company”), the world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, with additional offerings in mangos, today announces the appointment of Shaunte Mears-Watkins to its board of directors effective December 14, 2021. Ms. Mears-Watkins was appointed to the class of directors that will stand for election at the company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Shaunte Mears-Watkins is an accomplished global sales and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience. Ms. Mears-Watkins is known for her innovative strategic perspective and global P&L leadership in the consumer product and food industries. She currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at Clif Bar and Company, a double-digit growth manufacturer in the energy food and drink space. Before joining Clif Bar and Company in the summer of 2021, Ms. Mears-Watkins spent nearly 15 years at The Clorox Company in positions such as Vice President of Marketing, Specialty Division, and General Manager Clorox Australia, and New Zealand. Most recently, she held the position of Vice President of Strategy and Chief of Staff to the Office of the CEO. She holds a BA from Stanford University in economics and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“We are excited to add such a strategic and innovative marketing and sales executive to our board of directors. Shaunte’s experience from a commercial and global perspective in the consumer product and food space is a complement to the other eight board members currently serving,” said Steve Barnard, Founder, and CEO, Mission Produce. “Her proficiency in driving growth with multiple brands such as Burts Bees, Kingsford, and Hidden Valley will be of value as we continue to build the Mission Produce brand globally,” added Barnard.

Steve Bershad, Chairman of the Board, said, “I am pleased Shaunte has joined our board of directors. Not only does she provide valuable perspective with public experience, but her caliber and breadth of experience enhance the board’s overall expertise. In addition, her appointment further bolsters the independence of the board of directors.”

About Mission Produce, Inc.:

Mission Produce is the global leader in the worldwide avocado business. Since 1983, Mission Produce has been sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, and as of 2021, fresh mangos, to retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers in over 25 countries. The vertically integrated Company owns and operates four state-of-the-art packing facilities in key growing locations globally including California, Mexico & Peru, and has additional sourcing capabilities in Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, New Zealand, & South Africa, which allow the company to provide a year-round supply of premium fruit. Mission’s global distribution network includes twelve forward distribution centers in North America, China & Europe that offer value-added services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing, and logistical management. In addition, Mission owns over 11,000 acres globally, allowing for diversified sourcing and access to complementary growing seasons, while ensuring its customers receive the highest quality fruit possible. For more information, please visit www.missionproduce.com.

Contacts:
Investor Relations Contact:
ICR
Jeff Sonnek
646-277-1263
jeff.sonnek@icrinc.com

Media:
Denise Junqueiro
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Mission Produce, Inc.
press@missionproduce.com

FAQ

Who is Shaunte Mears-Watkins and what is her role at Mission Produce?

Shaunte Mears-Watkins is a newly appointed board member at Mission Produce, effective December 14, 2021, bringing over 20 years of global marketing and sales experience.

What are the expected impacts of Shaunte Mears-Watkins' appointment on Mission Produce?

Her appointment is expected to enhance Mission's strategic direction and growth potential due to her extensive experience in the consumer product and food industries.

What qualifications does Shaunte Mears-Watkins bring to Mission Produce's board?

She has a strong background in global P&L leadership and marketing, having held key positions at Clif Bar and The Clorox Company.