Mission Produce leadership in Central and South America transitioning

A Mission Produce executive will retire from the global producer and distributor of fresh Hass avocados after 14 years of leadership.

Juan Wiesner, Mission’s president of Central and South America, will retire effective Nov. 1, 2025, according to a news release. Simon Gonzalez, a 13-year company veteran, will be promoted to senior vice president, International Farming, following Wiesner’s retirement.

During his tenure, played a pivotal role in the development of Mission’s vertically integrated and international farming operations, including launching and scaling Mission’s Peruvian operation, according to the release.

“When I joined Mission, vertical integration in Peru was only an idea, and today, I am proud to leave behind a thriving operation spanning more than 6,500 plantable hectares of avocados, mangos, and blueberries across Peru and Guatemala,” Wiesner said in the release.

Wiesner also expanded the company’s international footprint into Guatemala.

88“Juan has been an integral part of Mission Produce’s global growth,” Mission Produce CEO Steve Barnard said. “When the Company first established operations in Peru, he brought our vision of vertical integration to life with determination and a deep commitment to excellence.”

Gonzalez currently leads Mission’s postharvest and packing operations and has led strategic initiatives across Peru and Guatemala, according to the company. In his expanded role, he will oversee agricultural production and packing operations for avocados, blueberries, and mangos in both countries.