Southern Specialties' COO moves into similar role at L&M
Southern Specialties' COO moves into similar role at L&M
Gary James, chief operating officer of Southern Specialties in Pompano Beach, FL, has left that company to take a similar position with L&M Cos. Inc. in Raleigh, NC.
Southern Specialties announced Mr. James' resignation in a July 25 press release. He began his new position at L&M July 28 and will be based at the company's Raleigh headquarters.
"On behalf of the board and employees of Southern Specialties, we wish to express our appreciation to Gary for his contributions to our company's success over the years," Robert Colescott, president and chief executive officer, said in the press release. "His experience, wisdom and character have contributed to our growth and continued success. We wish him fulfillment and success in his new endeavor."
"It is a career move that offers me a new challenge and greater opportunity to grow and ultimately become a stronger part of the growing produce industry," Mr. James told The Produce News July 29. "I truly enjoyed working with Robert Colescott, Charlie Eagle [vice president of business development] and others at Southern Specialties."
Mr. James joined Southern Specialties in September 2004 as general manager. In June 2005, he was appointed chief operating officer. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the food industry and has served in the capacities of president of retail operations for Spartan Stores, general manager for Central Market (a division of H.E. Butt Grocery Co.) and vice president of operations for Fresh Fields Markets Inc. He began his career at H.E.B. in 1971, where he joined as a unit director.
He graduated from St. Edwards University in Austin, TX, and received an honorary professor degree in entrepreneurship from Baylor University in Waco, TX.
Southern Specialties is conducting an external industry search for a qualified replacement candidate to assume Mr. James' position. He will assist Southern Specialties in the transition.
Southern Specialties announced Mr. James' resignation in a July 25 press release. He began his new position at L&M July 28 and will be based at the company's Raleigh headquarters.
"On behalf of the board and employees of Southern Specialties, we wish to express our appreciation to Gary for his contributions to our company's success over the years," Robert Colescott, president and chief executive officer, said in the press release. "His experience, wisdom and character have contributed to our growth and continued success. We wish him fulfillment and success in his new endeavor."
"It is a career move that offers me a new challenge and greater opportunity to grow and ultimately become a stronger part of the growing produce industry," Mr. James told The Produce News July 29. "I truly enjoyed working with Robert Colescott, Charlie Eagle [vice president of business development] and others at Southern Specialties."
Mr. James joined Southern Specialties in September 2004 as general manager. In June 2005, he was appointed chief operating officer. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the food industry and has served in the capacities of president of retail operations for Spartan Stores, general manager for Central Market (a division of H.E. Butt Grocery Co.) and vice president of operations for Fresh Fields Markets Inc. He began his career at H.E.B. in 1971, where he joined as a unit director.
He graduated from St. Edwards University in Austin, TX, and received an honorary professor degree in entrepreneurship from Baylor University in Waco, TX.
Southern Specialties is conducting an external industry search for a qualified replacement candidate to assume Mr. James' position. He will assist Southern Specialties in the transition.
