Bakersfield, California-based Sun World International has appointed Jennifer Petersen as EVP and chief science officer. In this new leadership position, she will oversee all activities, staff and partnerships pertaining to breeding, variety development, genetics and related technologies.
The company develops premium varieties of table grapes and stone fruits. Petersen will be instrumental in expanding Sun World’s genetics portfolio as it seeks to bring new and improved fresh fruit to consumers worldwide, said CEO and President David Marguleas.
“Jennifer adds immeasurable knowledge and depth to our research endeavors and, importantly, to our management team. This decision is transformational for our company as we deliver on our mission to bring premium table grape and stone fruit varieties to growers and to delight consumers,” Marguleas said.
Petersen has a strong background in agricultural research, genetics and plant biology. She received her bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Oregon State and a Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of California at Davis.
Petersen recently directed a global accelerated genetics team at Bayer Crop Science, a world-leading life sciences company, and in that capacity was an integral part of Bayer’s global research leadership team including crop production research and development, breeding technologies and regional breeding, testing and operations.
“Sun World enjoys an undisputed reputation as a leading source of produce innovation and is at a pivotal place in its growth trajectory. I look forward to building on that legacy while working with our talented Sun World research team,” said Petersen.
Sun World’s varietal development program is integral to Sun World and its global network of 1,800-plus licensed growers and marketers’ success. The company’s variety development department has launched many successful grape varieties marketed under brands such as AutumnCrisp, Midnight Beauty, Sable Seedless, Adora Seedless, Scarlotta Seedless, Sophia Seedless and Superior Seedless and stone fruit varietal brands such as Black Diamond plums and Honeycot apricots.
Sun World International is a global variety development and licensing business. Sun World’s mission is to drive the growth of fruit breeding, varietal development and licensing. The California-based company has a network of licensed growers and marketers and maintains offices in the U.S., Europe, Australia, South America, Israel, North Africa and South Africa.
For more information, visit sun-world.com.
