John Johnston

Director of Business Development - Premium Products @ Naturipe Farms

About

Results-oriented, strategic growth leader with over 15 years of P&L management experience in the food and agribusiness industries. Proven ability to achieve business objectives in a variety of both large-scale and smaller, entrepreneurial companies including Driscoll’s, Chiquita, Fresh Express and H.J. Heinz. Visionary and collaborative business leader with a strong record of driving top and bottom-line growth through building and implementing winning strategies. Diverse skills in business management, strategic planning, product innovation, P&L management, product management, grower development, leading cross functional teams, and developing new/emerging businesses.

Country

United States

City

Salinas

Industry

Food & Beverages

Skill

P&L Management, Business Transformation, Business Strategy, Business Management, Business Development, Team Leadership, Cross-functional Team Leadership, People Development, People Management, Strategic Planning, Product Development, Leadership, Product Innovation, New Product Rollout, Product Management, Pricing Strategy, Developing Emerging Businesses, Grower Development

Experience

Director of Business Development - Premium Products

Naturipe Farms

2023-4 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

Salinas, California, United States

Sr. Director Product Leadership, New Products

Driscoll's

2022 - 2023-2 · 1 yr

Watsonville, California, United States

Responsible for prioritizing and scaling new product segments throughout North America, with a strategic approach that ensures sustainable and profitable business results for all stakeholders including growers, customers and Driscoll’s. Establish strategic vision, strategies and financial plan for New Products across all four berry product lines (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries).

Sr Director Blueberry Product Leadership

Driscoll's

2009 - 2022 · 13 yrs

P&L responsibility for Driscoll’s blueberry business in North and South America, including development of the strategic vision, operational strategies and goals. Developed and implemented 5-year strategic plans, managed grower returns for all regions, oversaw development of blueberry nursery plant needs to support business growth, and developed long-term pricing, volume and revenue projections.

GM - Fresh Ingredients

Chiquita

2004 - 2009 · 5 yrs

Salinas, California Area

Led this $350MM business unit that included both Chiquita’s Global Fruit Ingredients business and the Fresh Express North American Vegetable Ingredients business. Managed and coached 6 direct reports.