Giorgio Peirano joins IMG Citrus leadership

IMG Citrus added Giorgio Peirano to its leadership team. Originally from Chile, Peirano spent much of his career in Europe and South America as an exporter of citrus and other produce, including kiwifruit, onions and avocados. In addition to his 20 years of experience, he holds a degree in agronomic engineering and a master's in business administration. Peirano will focus on strategic partnerships and supply chain integration for IMG Citrus from grower relationships to business development.

The leadership team at IMG Citrus includes the heads of growing, packing, sales, imports and technology. “All major decisions relating to strategy, investment, and P&L are made collaboratively by the leadership team,” said Melanie Ressler, co-CEO of IMG Enterprises, the parent company of IMG Citrus. “This ensures efficient execution and deeper integration across operations.”

At the top IMG Citrus is led by its three co-CEOs who share authority and responsibility in a similar manner. “Collaborative leadership based on trust and transparency leads to better decision making,” said Ressler. “We see this as a model for how we work both internally and externally."

Indeed, over the past seven years IMG Citrus has quietly built an alternative model for citrus imports into the United States based on this approach. “We use our knowledge as a Florida grower to select the most reliable and quality-focused suppliers,” said Sydney Allison, director of sales. “And we use our knowledge as a global marketer to select the most successful retailers. It’s a true three-way partnership.”

IMG Citrus said its model can reduce costs and increase quality for the consumer. “In some respects, the traditional import model is more likely to build a wall between producers and retailers than to build a bridge,” said Allison. “Our approach uses transparency to deepen partnerships and surface opportunities for reducing cost and improving logistics in the supply chain.”

Peirano is familiar with the company’s partnership model for imports, having worked for Propal, IMG Citrus’ primary partner in Chile. “I have been a part of this strategy for the past seven years working closely with IMG Citrus and Propal to develop the Southeast market for Chilean citrus,” said Peirano. “I am excited to continue this project and to participate in the sales of IMG Citrus Florida crop to retailers in the U.S. and around the world.”