Mission Produce adds financial executive to board

Global avocado producer and distributor Mission Produce has appointed longtime food industry executive Michael Bryan Sims to its board of directors.

Sims will serve on the audit committee, with a term expiring in 2028. His appointment increase Mission Produce’s board from eight to nine directors.

Sims has more than four decades of experience leading global organizations across the food, agriculture and consumer industries. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of TruGreen, where he led the company through financial restructurings, operational improvements and strategic capital deployment.

He previously held senior leadership roles at AdvancePierre Foods, where he helped take the company public and later facilitated its acquisition by Tyson Foods, and at Chiquita Brands International, where he led global finance and business development initiatives for more than 20 years.

“We are pleased to welcome Michael to our board of directors,” Mission Produce CEO Steve Barnard said in a news release. “Michael’s extensive financial background combined with his board-level experience in the food and consumer sectors make him an ideal addition to our team. We expect that his proven ability to align financial strategy with long-term business objectives will enhance our growth strategies and create sustainable value moving forward.”

Since 1983, Mission Produce has sourced, produced and distributed fresh Hass avocados. With additional offerings in in mangos and blueberries, the company services retail, wholesale and foodservice customers in more than 25 countries.

“I’m honored to join the board of Mission Produce,” Sims said. “Mission’s industry-leading position in the avocado and mango industries, commitment to diversification, operational excellence and supply chain transparency aligns closely with my professional philosophies, and I look forward to supporting the company’s continued growth and success.”