POMPANO BEACH, FL - Is there anything better than a good cup of coffee in the morning? Yes! It’s an update on leaders in the industry! Two new members have joined the ranks of the Sol Group Marketing team: Brian Slagel joins as Vice President of Sales and Ronniesha Littlejohn as Sales Account Manager.
“I am very excited to work with the industry leader in the import melon business,” commented Slagel. “Sol’s vertically integrated business model, excellent reputation, and talented sales and supply team have impressed me from day one. I look forward to being a part of this organization at a time when Sol is positioning itself to excel to a higher level in delivering quality, innovation, and service to our partners.”
As a release noted, Slagel brings a wealth of knowledge and more than 30 years of experience in the produce industry to the role. He was formerly the Director of Sales at Sunkist Growers. He served 28 years with the company in various roles, including Director of Sales for Canada/U.S. Central, Director of Business Development, and Director of North American Sales.
“We are very lucky to have Brian join our Sol leadership team,” added President Mark Cassius. “He brings in a wealth of produce industry experience and shares our culture of teamwork and inclusion.”
Ronniesha Littlejohn brings her own set of expertise to her role, having previously been the Category Manager at Kroger, where she oversaw potatoes, onions, and multicultural.
“I am excited for the opportunity to work for a global leader in imported melons that is focused on incredible flavor and quality and cares about the land and people who grow the fruit,” commented Littlejohn. “I am also excited to learn this side of the produce industry and work with this amazing group of people here at Sol Group.”
She brings nearly 15 years of industry experience to her sales role, and got her start in the buying offices of Kroger. She admits to being “quickly bitten by the produce bug.” She has held various roles within Kroger, from entry-level ASP to Assistant Buyer for both Produce and Floral, the release went on to note. She also garnered experience in store management and category management. She has worked across many commodities throughout her career, from berries to wet and dry vegetables, nuts, and indoor floral.
“Ronniesha brings her infectious enthusiasm and former category experience to Sol,” Cassius stated. “She joins us after many years on the retail side building a great reputation for developing key categories. In Ronniesha’s new role, she will work with key accounts, using her experience to assist in planning category growth and helping us in new product development.”
Congratulations to both Brian and Ronniesha on these new roles! We’re excited to hear what comes next!
