Billy Heller promoted by Pacific Tomato Growers
Billy Heller promoted by Pacific Tomato Growers
Pacific Tomato Growers Ltd. has announced the promotion of Billy L. Heller Jr. to the newly created position of chief executive officer of Florida-based Pacific Tomato Growers Ltd. and California-based Pacific Triple E.
He joined the company in 2003 as chief operating officer where his focus was on implementing best practices in farm operations and food safety programs, establishing the "Sunripe" brand across the family of companies and consolidating the administrative functions.
Pacific Tomato Growers is a leading grower, packer, shipper and marketer of field- and hothouse-grown tomatoes nationally marketed under the Sun Ripe brand.
"I am excited about the opportunities we have in front of us as a company and proud of the confidence the owners have in my abilities to lead our family of companies into the future, Mr. Heller said in a statement. We have built a strong management team that has made significant achievements in the areas of farming, packing operations, sales and the development of the 'Sunripe' brand across the family of companies. I am particularly proud of the work that has been done in the implementation of best practices with our food safety programs and the work that has been done with the S.A.F.E. program, recognizing our social responsibility as an employer to our employees, vendors and customers. We are well positioned to face the challenges inherent in the tomato industry. We have great products and great people. In running the day-to-day operations, our goal is to identify opportunities to provide value to our customers and their customers."
Added shareholder Joseph Esformes, "This is a significant event for our company, the Esformes and Heller families. Mr. Heller is the first non-family member to take the helm in our 80-year history. This is a well-earned promotion for Mr. Heller. He has demonstrated his ability to successfully manage our business and to provide strategic direction. He clearly shares our values and vision for the business. He is a great asset, and we are excited about the future with Billy as our CEO"
He joined the company in 2003 as chief operating officer where his focus was on implementing best practices in farm operations and food safety programs, establishing the "Sunripe" brand across the family of companies and consolidating the administrative functions.
Pacific Tomato Growers is a leading grower, packer, shipper and marketer of field- and hothouse-grown tomatoes nationally marketed under the Sun Ripe brand.
"I am excited about the opportunities we have in front of us as a company and proud of the confidence the owners have in my abilities to lead our family of companies into the future, Mr. Heller said in a statement. We have built a strong management team that has made significant achievements in the areas of farming, packing operations, sales and the development of the 'Sunripe' brand across the family of companies. I am particularly proud of the work that has been done in the implementation of best practices with our food safety programs and the work that has been done with the S.A.F.E. program, recognizing our social responsibility as an employer to our employees, vendors and customers. We are well positioned to face the challenges inherent in the tomato industry. We have great products and great people. In running the day-to-day operations, our goal is to identify opportunities to provide value to our customers and their customers."
Added shareholder Joseph Esformes, "This is a significant event for our company, the Esformes and Heller families. Mr. Heller is the first non-family member to take the helm in our 80-year history. This is a well-earned promotion for Mr. Heller. He has demonstrated his ability to successfully manage our business and to provide strategic direction. He clearly shares our values and vision for the business. He is a great asset, and we are excited about the future with Billy as our CEO"
