Business in Latin America: From Chiquita to Sunopta: A Business Talk with Brian Kocher, CEO of Sunopta

The Spanish business class (SPN 317) is delighted to welcome Brian Kocher, CEO of Sunopta and former Interim CEO, EVP, COO, and CFO of Chiquita Brands International Inc. to come to campus on Thursday, October 23 at 11:40 AM in Kreger 221. Mr. Kocher will be talking to students about his career journey, cultural differences he has faced working in Latin America, as well as the challenges of forging business relations in this region. There will be approximately 25 minutes for Q&A after his presentation. All are welcome to attend and the event will be in English.

Brian Kocher was appointed as Sunopta’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board on January 2, 2024. Mr. Kocher served as President, Chief Executive Officer of Calavo Growers Inc., a global avocado-industry leader and provider of convenient, ready-to-eat fresh food with 3,200 employees in the United States and Mexico, from January 2022 to February 2023. Before joining Calavo, Mr. Kocher was President and Chief Executive Officer of Castellini Group of Companies, a nationwide produce distribution and supply chain services organization, from May 2015 to January 2022. Prior to Castellini, Mr. Kocher spent ten years at Chiquita Brands International, Inc., including as Interim Chief Executive Officer, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, SVP and Chief Financial Officer, President of Europe, President of North America, and Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer.