Pacific Trellis Fruit and Progressive Produce announce changes in executive leadership

Through a press release, fresh produce distributor Progressive Produce and grower Pacific Trellis Fruit announced several changes in executive leadership to enhance the ongoing partnership between the brands. This alliance has enabled them to work synergistically to best serve both customers and growers around the world. 

Today’s announcement marks the culmination of a partnership that has been in the making for 18 months. Last year, Progressive Produce joined Arable Capital Partners, which also holds a majority stake in Pacific Trellis Fruit. This led to a symbiotic relationship between the two entities. 

“Our strategy going forward is quite simple: Put the right people in the right positions at the right time,” said Marty Kamer, newly appointed Group CEO for Progressive Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit. “These adjustments to our leadership structure will enhance the synergies we have developed over the past several months and allow for continued growth going forward.”

Meet Progressive's and Pacific Trellis' new executives

Effective immediately, Eric Coty will join Pacific Trellis Fruit as Executive Vice President of Fruit. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Coty has served in executive roles across sales and marketing, grower relations, quality control, and operations. In this newly established position, Coty will spearhead the go-to-market strategy for the Fruit division, which includes grapes, stone fruit, cherries, and citrus. Coty will manage relationships throughout the supply chain, with a focus on driving sales and creating sustainable operations that support Pacific Trellis’ significant upcoming growth.

Additionally, Josh Leichter has chosen to step away from his responsibilities as CEO at Pacific Trellis Fruit but will retain his role as Director of Imported Grapes, a category that is vital to the company and for which he carries immense experience and excitement. For the past two seasons, Pacific Trellis Fruit has been one of the largest importers of South American grapes, with a diversified supply base across multiple countries and growing regions. 

Cory Stahl will leave his position as Vice President of Sales for Progressive Produce to assume the role of Executive Vice President of Dulcinea Melons at Pacific Trellis. He will lead the go-to-market strategy for the Melon division as it continues to scale. Dulcinea brand impressions reached more than 100 million consumers in 2024. Throughout his time at Progressive, Stahl has contributed to every business unit. Notably, he was integral to the successful launch of the Asparagus and Wet Vegetable category, and in 2018, assumed the role of Vice President of Sales, overseeing Asparagus, Wet Vegetables, Chilis, Herbs, Citrus, and third-party logistics services. 

Scott Leimkuhler will now be Executive Vice President at Progressive Produce. In this expanded role, he will lead the go-to-market strategy for all of Progressive’s key categories, including potatoes, onions, yams, asparagus, wet vegetables, chilis, herbs, and citrus.  Leimkuhler, who has been with Progressive Produce for over 15 years, exemplifies the company’s commitment to year-round conventional and organic production, nationwide logistics, and outstanding customer service.  

Finally, as part of these shifts in executive leadership, former Progressive Produce CEO Marty Kamer and Simon Miller will serve respectively as Group CEO and CFO/COO of both Progressive Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit. Although the companies will remain two distinct entities with unique product offerings and go-to-market strategies, this transition is a strategic move allowing these two companies to share resources and best serve both growers and customers. 

This divisional approach is designed to create a more dynamic and responsive organization, which will maximize efficiency and provide a clear focus on growth. These changes are also designed to provide leaders with greater ownership and accountability, enabling more direct lines of communication among divisions.

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