Lee Cole rejoins Calavo as president and CEO

Lee E. Cole is returning to lead Calavo Growers Inc. as president and CEO, effective immediately. Cole agreed to lead the company for three years with the goal of returning it to a position of growth and shareholder value creation. He succeeds Brian W. Kocher, who has stepped down from his role.

Cole served as Calavo’s president and CEO from 1999 until his retirement Jan. 31, 2020. He served as a director of Calavo for 39 years — 28 as chairman of the board.

“On behalf of Calavo and all of our employees, we thank Brian for all his efforts and wish him success in his future endeavors,” said Steven Hollister, chairman of the board of Calavo. “We would also like to welcome back Lee Cole as president and CEO. Lee was responsible for bringing Calavo into the public market and making it one of the largest avocado companies in the world. His knowledge of the avocado business is second to none, and we anticipate great things for the Company and our employees as we move forward.”

“I am honored to be asked to lead Calavo once again and look forward to generating value for our shareholders,” said Cole.