SALINAS, CA - Employee-owned grower, shipper, and marketer of premium branded produce Tanimura & Antle has announced the appointment of a new leader; Scott Grabau will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer after the recent death of Rick Antle, who tragically passed away on April 14, 2018, after a brief battle with cancer.
“I am saddened by the recent vacancy, but am honored to be entrusted to serve our customers, growers, and both employee and legacy shareholders,” said Grabau. “The recent creation of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) was a fantastic benefit to memorialize the Company’s commitment to invest in our number one asset, our employees. This culture has been, and will continue to be, the number one factor in our success.”
A 16-year veteran with the company, Grabau previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Tanimura & Antle, led the company’s mergers and acquisitions and their corresponding integrations, and operated as President of several of the company’s other operations. Earlier this year, Rick Antle appointed Grabau as Tanimura & Antle’s President of the company.
“The Board has the utmost confidence in Scott’s abilities. Scott has a proven track record within our operations from seed to customer, and has served as a trusted Executive for many years,” Gary Tanimura stated, in a company press release.
Grabau studied engineering at Cal Poly, obtained a business degree from Sonoma State University, and received his Certified Public Accountant designation in 2000 while working at a national public accounting firm specializing in agriculture.
Tanimura & Antle also announced that Gary Tanimura and Mike Antle, who have served on the Board since its founding 35 years ago, will now serve as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board, respectively. Keith Tanimura, who has also served on the board since inception, will continue his service and Brian Antle, President of PlantTape, will join the Board, filling the vacancy of his father.
In addition to the Tanimura and Antle family members, the Board’s three independent Directors—Michael Marcus, William Gisvold, and Sharon Crino—will continue to serve on the Board.
The company noted that the Tanimura and Antle families will continue to remain involved in the strategic management of the company and noted that Grabau’s analytical approach to problem solving, strategy, and innovation will complement Tanimura & Antle’s experienced Board going forward.
