Chiquita Brands International has appointed Craig Stephen SVP of sales and marketing for Fresh Express. Stephen will have responsibility for Fresh Express sales, marketing and customer service operations as the company continues to provide expanded category offerings in retail value-added and private label salads.
“Craig is highly regarded and respected by all stakeholders across the fresh produce industry,” said Chiquita COO Brian W. Kocher. “We are confident that his extensive operational experience, coupled with his leadership and industry insights will help us consistently deliver superior customer service as we continue to profitably grow our Fresh Express business.”
Stephen served more than 20 years with Chiquita, leading the turnaround of the North Carolina-based company’s North America Banana business from 2007-2012 as VP and GM for Chiquita Brands North America. He grew his career with Chiquita in a variety of global operational and planning roles in North America, Europe and Asia. Most recently, Stephen has been the chief strategy officer for N2N Global, a multinational software and service company focused on the food supply chain industry and he has provided consulting services to the produce industry.
Stephen has been a member of or contributor to a number of industry associations. He has served the produce industry through his involvement in the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), where he currently is on the board of directors and a member of various PMA committees. He is a certified public accountant and received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati.
