STELLARTON, NS - The Board of Directors of Empire Company Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Pierre St-Laurent, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sobeys Inc. Mr. St-Laurent will also serve on the Board of Directors of Empire.

This appointment follows the company's announcement earlier this year of President & CEO Michael Medline's intention to retire from Empire. Mr. St-Laurent's appointment is effective immediately with Mr. Medline remaining to support a thorough transition into December.

"After a robust and well-governed succession process that included both an extensive global search and consideration of internal candidates, our Board is delighted to have identified our next CEO from within our organization," said James Dickson, Chair of the Board of Empire, in the recent release. "Pierre is a seasoned retail executive who has served as one of the key architects of our company's success and our Board is unanimous that he is the right choice to create long-term value for all of our stakeholders. Choosing a leader from within our senior leadership ranks speaks to the depth of talent in our company and reinforces that our greatest strength lies in our people — those who know our business, live our values and have helped shape our success."

A 34-year veteran of Empire, Mr. St-Laurent has served in increasingly senior roles with the company, across the finance, distribution and logistics, retail operations and merchandising functions.

In 2019, he was appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Empire, overseeing the company's merchandising, operations and supply chain functions across Canada, while also serving as a key member of the company's executive leadership team. In 2020, he was named one of Canada's 50 Best Executives by the Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine.

"What an incredible honour to lead Empire's 129,000 teammates and to continue to build upon the foundation of success that we have created together," said Mr. St-Laurent. "I have been fortunate to work with so many talented colleagues over the years and I am inspired by what we can achieve together in the years to come, for our customers, our teammates and the communities we serve."

"Pierre is a proven and passionate leader and a fantastic executive who has played a critical role in the transformation and growth of Empire over the past nine years," said Mr. Medline. "He brings a remarkable combination of operational expertise, strategic insight and, importantly, a deep and unwavering commitment to our customers. I am confident he is the leader to take our company to even greater heights."

Mr. Medline retires from Empire after nine years of outstanding contributions to the growth and success of the company. Not only did he lead the difficult transformation and turnaround of what at the time was a struggling business, he has since steered Empire on its current growth trajectory, delivering immense value for shareholders in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace.

"I am incredibly grateful for Michael's leadership over the past nine years," continued Mr. Dickson. "He has been the true embodiment of a resilient, adaptable and courageous leader and his impact on our company will be felt for years to come."

TUBAC, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) proudly announced Gonzalo Avila, CEO of Malena Produce, as the 2025 FPAA Member of the Year during its Annual Meeting held on November 4, at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa.

The Member of the Year Award represents one of the association’s highest honors, recognizing leaders whose vision, service, and commitment leave an enduring mark on the fresh produce industry and the FPAA community, according to a press release.

“The FPAA Member of the Year Award is not simply a recognition — it is a reflection of the values we hold dear: integrity, service, and progress,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA president, during the ceremony. “It is awarded to those who make both an immediate and lasting impact on our association and the fresh produce industry at large.”

Avila’s career is a testament to dedication and leadership rooted in both business excellence and community service. From humble beginnings in sales, he cultivated a deep understanding of market dynamics, logistics, and customer relationships—quietly building success while always staying focused on results and long-term vision.

Under Avila’s leadership, Malena Produce has evolved from its early reputation as an eggplant specialist into a diversified industry powerhouse with over 20 product lines, including tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, cucumbers, and melons. With operations anchored in Nogales and expanded into South Texas and international markets such as Japan and China, the company continues to grow its global footprint.

Avila has been an active and respected leader in the produce community, serving on the FPAA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including a term as FPAA Chairman. His industry influence extends nationally through service on the Grower-Shipper Board of the United Fresh Produce Association, and his excellence has been recognized previously when he was named Exporter of the Year by an industry magazine. In 2024, Malena Produce celebrated 70 years of legacy.

“Gonzalo leads with integrity. He listens. He builds,” Jungmeyer noted. “He has an ability to sit in a meeting that might be intense, not take anything personally, and offer thoughtful, on-point insight with calm and clarity. That is true leadership.”

With roots in Sinaloa and professional experience across the U.S.–Mexico border region—including studies at Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey and time spent at the University of Arizona—Avila represents a cross-border legacy of agricultural excellence. He is known not only as a visionary executive but also as a mentor who invests in people, builds future industry leaders, and champions sustainability, worker welfare, and consumer education.

Surrounded by his family, Avila accepted the award with gratitude. His wife Yanula and daughter Yanula joined him for the celebration.

“Gonzalo, your journey inspires us. Your leadership strengthens us. And your vision moves us forward,” Jungmeyer said in closing.