Mission Produce appoints John Pawlowski CEO as Co-Founder Steve Barnard transitions to Executive Chairman

Global leader in the production, distribution, and sourcing of Hass avocados, Mission Produce will experience a major leadership transition.

Steve Barnard, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, will assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, while John Pawlowski, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will become Chief Executive Officer, effective at the close of the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April 2026.

As Executive Chairman, Barnard will chair the Board and provide strategic oversight, working closely with Pawlowski and the company's leadership team to advance the Company’s long-term vision for responsible growth and category stewardship. 

“This transition is about continuity for our customers and grower partners—sustaining the operational discipline, product quality, and service reliability they count on from Mission," said Barnard.

The executive added that since joining the company, Pawlowski has brought "tremendous leadership and operational expertise."

"I am confident that his strategic vision and decades of experience in the global food industry make him the ideal leader to guide our team through its next chapter of growth,” he concluded. 

For more than four decades, Mission has helped shape the modern avocado category—advancing vertical integration, expanding world-class operations, and leading the industry as a pioneer in ripening expertise. 

A years-long commitment to Mission Produce 

Pawlowski joined the company in April 2024 as President and Chief Operating Officer. He is a highly accomplished executive with more than 25 years in the global food and foodservice industry, specializing in business development, system optimization, and executive team management.

Before his stint in the company, Pawlowski served as President and COO of Lipari Foods, a leading independent distributor, and served for more than 16 years at J.M. Smucker in a variety of leadership positions, culminating with a role as Vice President of International. 

“I am excited to lead our talented team as we continue to focus on operational excellence, strong grower relationships, and category-building programs that create value across the supply chain," said Pawlowski. "The future is bright for Mission Produce, and I look forward to building on the incredible foundation Steve and the team have created.” 

Since joining the company, Pawlowski has focused on process improvement, logistics optimization, and productivity—work that supports Mission’s vertically integrated model, strengthens service for retail and foodservice partners, and aligns the organization around continuous improvement and collaboration. 

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