Mission Produce names foodservice veteran president and COO

Fresh Hass avocado distributor Mission Produce Inc. has appointed foodservice industry veteran John Pawlowski as president and chief operating officer.

Pawlowski has more than 25 years of global food and foodservice experience, including his most recent position as president and COO of independent distributor Lipari Foods, according to a news release. There, he led mergers and acquisitions and expanded the company’s national distribution and operational strategy.

“I am thrilled to join Mission Produce as a global leader with a strategic vision to drive avocado consumption across the globe,” Pawlowski said in the release. “With Mission’s unparalleled positioning, advanced global infrastructure and world-class team, there are endless opportunities to leverage the company’s assets for accelerated growth.”

Pawlowski, who holds an MBA from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miami University, also spent more than 16 years at J.M. Smucker.

“John is an exceptional leader who brings a passion for innovation that strongly aligns with the long-term goals of Mission Produce as a market leader,” said Steve Barnard, Mission Produce CEO. “With his comprehensive background in the international food industry and impressive track record of driving businesses to new heights, I believe his skillset will greatly contribute to our continued growth as we work to enhance our operating strategies to maximize shareholder value.”