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PRO*ACT hires Russ Wingo, promotes Casey Jarrard

Monterey, CA-based PRO*ACT, a distributor of fresh produce, announced the promotion of Casey Jarrard and addition of Russ Wingo as vice presidents of client development, a new department for the national produce supply-chain management company.

Led by Jarrard and Wingo, the new department will work with key members of the senior management team, along with PRO*ACT’s national network of produce distributors, to drive sales via the creation and management of strategic client relationships, according to a company press release.

Jarrard joined PRO*ACT in 2008 and was promoted from the client services department. His prior experience includes director of national accounts for Direct Advantage, vice president of sales and marketing for McEntire Produce, and director national accounts for Performance Food Group.

“I’m extremely excited to now be able to concentrate my time, effort and energy to developing new business,” he said in the press release.

Wingo comes to PRO*ACT from Sysco Corp., where he was vice president of sales for FreshPoint. Prior to that, he was director of sales and marketing for Produce Alliance and division vice president of sales at PYA-Monarch.

“I’ve had more than 30 years in the foodservice industry and many of those with produce,” Wingo said. “I am looking forward to building this new department and helping to ensure the steady growth of PRO*ACT.”

Jarrard and Wingo will be responsible for focusing on the growth of new business opportunities through a diverse group of foodservice clients, as well as engaging new customers on the core values of the PRO*ACT distribution network and developing strategic business plans for the future. They will also manage contract negotiations with clients and distributors, evaluate all value-chain cost components to ensure competitive advantages, and work with PRO*ACT’s procurement specialists to bring in new and alternative products that meet existing and new customer needs.

“We’re very excited about the growth of fresh products in the industry and are confident both Casey and Russ will bring valuable solutions to customers with their efforts,” added Brian Kane, PRO*ACT chief operating officer.

To announce personnel changes at your company, please contact Assistant Editor Maggie Giuffrida at 201/986-7990, ext. 110 or [email protected]. Photos are encouraged.

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