We have been chronicling the evolution of Dole’s marketing department ever since we announced the retirement of Rick Utchell here, the appointment of Rhonda Reed and David Bright here and the expansion of the team to include Yvonne Rentmeester, Odalis Hawit-Rivera and Keith Kelly right here.
Now Dole announces an additional expansion of the team:
DOLE VEGETABLES HIRES SALES STRATEGY DIRECTOR
AND CANADIAN SALES MANAGER
Dole Fresh Vegetables, a subsidiary of Dole Food Company, Inc., has announced the hiring of two new positions to bolster the Sales and Marketing teams.
Joining the company on January 28, 2008, Mr. Joe Koch will assume the position of Director, Sales Strategy, Fresh Vegetables, reporting to Ms. Ronda Reed, Vice President, Marketing Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Mr. Koch will be responsible for leading eight Sales Strategy Managers and Analysts whose tasks are to develop category management and trade promotion strategies and programs that achieve and exceed the division’s defined business goals. Goals include: recommendations to increase volume and revenue opportunities; evaluation of competitive activities; support of the broker community; and distribution-building efforts in concert with Sales, Logistics and Finance and optimizing trade promotional spending to maximize the effectiveness of promotions.
“Joe has an exceptional results record in strategic and tactical execution within category marketing,” says Ms. Reed. “He has proven he can lead cross-functional teams to help increase revenues and generate new ways of building brands.”
Mr. Koch joins Dole with more than 10 years experience in sales, trade marketing and category management, having worked with Supervalu, Wal-Mart, Wegmans, Bi-Lo and Best Buy. He is experienced with IRI, NPD, Nielsen, Retail Link, Spectra and other data set analysis, personnel training, brand development and building accurate forecasting models.
In addition, the company has announced the hiring of Ron Webb for the position of Regional Sales Manager, Canada, effective January 3, 2008.
Under the guidance of Andrew LuePann, Director of Sales, Mr. Webb will be responsible for supervising and developing business for Value Added Products throughout Canada. Focus will be on strategic development of all channels for distribution such as Grocery, Mass, Discount channels and Wholesalers.
“Ron brings an extensive background in wholesale and retail produce procurement and merchandising, packaged goods sales and marketing, as well as business development experience in the fresh produce industry,” says Mr. LuePann. “I am confident that he will be a great contributor in solidifying Dole’s position in Canada and we are excited to have him join our team.”
Our best to both Joe Koch and Ron Webb.
