WATSONVILLE, CA - New faces are making an appearance at Driscoll’s today as the berry maven has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the team are Giannella Alvarez, former CEO and Director of the Board at Beanitos, and Graciela Monteagudo, former President and CEO of LALA U.S.
Alvarez will bring with her over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries and markets, including the US, Latin America, and Europe. According to a press release, Alvarez has led multi-billion-dollar brands for Fortune 100 companies including Procter & Gamble and The Coca-Cola Company in Senior Executive positions.
Alvarez previously served as Group President and CEO for Barilla America, as well as President and CEP of organic food start-ups including Harmless Harvest. She was also named one of 2019’s Most Influential Corporate Board Directors by Women’s Inc.
With vast experience as a public company Board Director, Alavarez has strong expertise to bring to Driscoll’s. She also has extensive experience in marketing, innovation, business scaling, and global expansion as well as a passion for food, health and wellness, and sustainability and equality. She also bring with her experience as an Advisory Board Member at New York University’s Stern School Center for Sustainable Business.
Joining Alvarez on the Board is Monteagudo, who has built her 30-year executive career at a variety of multinational Fortune 500 companies across consumer products, healthcare, and retail industries. She has significant experience serving in general management roles, having previously led multi-billion-dollar corporations such as SVP and Business Unit Head for Sam’s Club in Mexico, and President, Americas and Global Marketing for Mead Johnson Nutrition Americas
Most recently, Monteagudo served as CEO and President of LALA U.S. She also has an experienced background as a public company board director, and was spotlighted in the 2019 Latino Leaders Magazine Latinos on Board report, as well as the 2020 Best of the Boardroom feature of Hispanic Executive Magazine.
“Giannella is a highly creative and decisive leader who has a proven track record of talent building and energizing organizations across countries, customers and channels," said J. Miles Reiter, Chairman and CEO. “Her significant on-the-ground international experiences will serve as an invaluable asset as Driscoll’s continues to grow and adapt to the ever-changing marketplace.”
Monteagudo brings to the Board a diverse perspective regarding domestic and international markets, digital marketing/ecommerce, Hispanic and Latin American consumers, as well as a demonstrated capability in strategic planning, M&A, diversity/inclusion, and cultural transformation.
“Graciela’s expertise in addressing the Mexican consumer and retail environment will be invaluable to Driscoll’s as we navigate increasing consumer demand in this important growth market,” shared Reiter. “Her experience in consumer brands, especially in the health and nutrition sector, will bolster Driscoll’s capability and success in markets around the globe."
These new Board appointments will collectively bring strong brand growth expertise and a clear future-looking vision to help Driscoll’s accelerate its mission.
Congratulations to both women as they take on these new roles!
