Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for the Sage Fruit Co., has decided to step back from his current role. Kevin Steiner, who has served as a senior business development manager for Sage, has been promoted to fill Sinks’ role at the beginning of the new year.

The title — president of sales and marketing — will be retired as Sinks steps back in January. While Steiner will take on these same responsibilities, the title of the position will now be president of business development and marketing.

Sinks is a produce industry veteran that has over 40 years under his belt, and more specifically, he has over 20 years of experience in the sales and marketing of apples, pears and cherries. Over the past 20-plus years, Sinks has been an integral part of Sage Fruit’s leadership and growth. "We gratefully acknowledge his contribution and leadership as we have taken Sage Fruit to new heights during his tenure," the company said in a statement.

Sinks started his produce career at the Dole Food Co. in 1984 as the assistant district sales manager in Kansas City.  Over the next 20 years, he worked his way up to become the vice president of customer relations.  He left the Dole Fresh Fruit Co. in September of 2001 and joined the Sage Fruit Co. in early 2003 under his current title.

Over the course of his career, Sinks has built strong relationships within the retail sector. He is both creative and innovative in his marketing strategies and his approach is truly one-of-a-kind. He is highly revered by his peers, colleagues and business associates alike.

Starting on Jan. 1, 2024, Sinks will step back from his role as president of sales and marketing but will continue to work for the Sage Fruit Co. for the next two years in a reduced capacity. During this time, he will transition to his retirement while assisting the transition of his role to the new leader of Sage Fruit’s business development and marketing team.

We are very proud of Chuck and his incredible dedication and contribution to our business and wish him well as he makes this transition in his life. At the same time, we are also very excited to have someone of Kevin’s caliber ready and willing to step into the role