Grower-owned cooperative Oregon Cherry Growers, the largest producer of sweet dark cherries in the world, says that Kent Spalding is joining the company in the new role of VP of sales and marketing. With more than 30 years of experience at consumer product companies, primarily targeted in food and beverage, Spalding joins the Salem-based company to lead strategic marketing, product development, business strategy and sales growth.
“With new products in the pipeline and a goal for national and international growth, now is the time for Oregon Cherry Growers to bring a consumer products veteran to lead sales and marketing, and help further grow the company,” says Tim Ramsey, Oregon Cherry Growers president and CEO. “Kent’s industry and management background makes him the ideal leader in this area, and we are confident he will complement the company’s current sales growth and prepare the organization for future success.”
Spalding brings with him a broad knowledge of the food industry from years spent in senior roles at emerging food companies. His background includes positions with the Quaker Oats Co., Hunt Wesson, Dole Packaged Foods and Bayer AG Healthcare. He also served as VP of marketing for Weetabix North America and thinkThin LLC and has held senior management positions at Spins Syndicated Data and The Touch Agency. Spalding will work with the sales and marketing team to prospect, identify and generate new business opportunities and lead sales growth for the company.
