SANTA PAULA, CA - Calavo Growers is welcoming a veteran finance executive to the team just as it implements the next phase of its long-term growth strategy. Kevin Manion has been named Calavo’s new Chief Financial Officer, a role in which he brings a wealth of food industry experience.
“I am very excited to join Calavo, which has had a long and successful history as a leader in the avocado and fresh food sector as demonstrated by its strong brand and blue-chip partners,” Manion said. “Given growing consumer demand for avocados and other fresh food categories, Calavo is well-positioned for continued strong growth over the long term. I look forward to working with our new CEO Jim Gibson, our active board, and the talented finance and operations professionals at Calavo to support our customers and growers and to drive sustainable growth for our shareholders.”
Manion has worked with a variety of big-name brands, holding financial leadership positions with companies across the food industry. This experience has included the likes of Bolthouse Farms, Century Snacks, Young’s Market Company, Hostess Brands, Nestle USA, Kraft General Foods, and Fresh Food Group, where he served as the Lead Director. He began his career in public accounting at Arthur Andersen & Co.
According to a press release, while working with these brand behemoths, Manion supported revenue growth, efficiency and profitability initiatives, inventory management, treasury and capital markets activities, mergers and acquisitions, strategic and financial planning, and investor relations.
“We are delighted to welcome Kevin Manion as our new CFO,” said James E. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Calavo Growers. “Kevin has held senior financial leadership roles at several major food companies and has three decades of financial management, capital markets, and operational experience. His wealth of experience in the food industry and his financial acumen will be invaluable to our company as we execute on the next phase of our long-term growth strategy.”
Manion has a BBA in accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager, a Certified Investor Relations Professional, and a Certified Treasury Professional. He was named CFO of the Year in Orange County, California, in 2014.
Congratulations to Kevin Manion on his new position!
