CASTROVILLE, CA - Our newswires were rocked recently as Ocean Mist® Farms announced it has filled its top executive role. Christopher Drew has been promoted and will take up the helm as President and Chief Executive Officer of the family-owned fresh artichoke grower and marketer.
Ascending to his new position, Drew will now be responsible for leading all commercial, operational, financial, and administrative aspects of Ocean Mist Farms. In his new role, he will provide a clear vision allowing for organizational growth and financial success in addition to fostering innovation and cultivating strong relationships internally and with external stakeholders.
Drew’s role as President and CEO will require the analysis and evaluation of product line offerings, building business plans to drive expansion, and ensuring Ocean Mist Farms has the proper infrastructure to support such growth, explained the company’s release.
Prior to being promoted, Drew was the Chief Operating Officer. In his previous role, Drew collaborated with teams across the organization to streamline strategies and processes in addition to overseeing the operational departments and facilities across the organization: cooling, shipping, production, harvesting, food safety, quality assurance, and value-added.
The Board of Directors unanimously selected Drew from among many distinguished produce and consumer packaged goods executives sourced through a national search conducted by executive search partner Kincannon & Reed.
“Chris has been integral to executing the strategic growth plan and Ocean Mist Farm’s vision of becoming the partner of choice for produce solutions in his role of Chief Operating Officer here,” commented Kirk Martin, Ocean Mist’s Board Chair. “His history with our company spans nearly two decades in various roles, and his knowledge base is unparalleled. The passion he has for this industry and our organization is apparent, and we are confident he will be instrumental in the future success of Ocean Mist Farms.”
Boosting his qualifications and expertise are a Bachelor of Science in Crop Science that Drew earned from California Polytechnic University – San Luis Obispo and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix – San Jose. Drew is also active in several affiliations including the Cal Poly - SLO Horticulture and Crop Science Advisory Council, where he is Chairman of the Board and is a member of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement Advisory Board, among others.
“Chris embodies the spirit of Ocean Mist Farms and embraces our company values,” Martin commented. “We are excited to be a part of this next chapter with him.”
A very warm congratulations to Christopher Drew as he dons his new hat!
