Perfection Fresh CEO Michael Simonetta will step down from his leadership role at the Australian fresh produce company.
Effective July, Rod Quin, an executive from ingredients group Roquette, will assume the CEO position, joining Perfection Fresh on May 5.
In a statement on LinkedIn, the company announced Simonetta’s departure will take place on June 30, concluding over four decades of leadership.
Under Simonetta’s guidance, Perfection Fresh has evolved into “one of Australia’s most innovative and trusted fresh produce companies.” Notably, he introduced “game-changing” products like Broccolini broccoli, Qukes cucumbers, and Calypso mangoes.
Moreover, Simonetta will stay connected to the company, transitioning to a non-executive director role. He will continue to research new fruit and vegetable varieties while supporting international expansion efforts.
“I’m also thrilled to share that I won’t be stepping away entirely. After collaborating with the board to ensure a seamless transition, I’ll be staying connected to Perfection Fresh in three roles,” Simonetta stated.
Quin, who takes on the CEO responsibility on July 1, brings extensive experience, having worked at Roquette for eight years, most recently as vice president for global markets and customer management.
Before his time at Roquette, Quin served as CEO for New Zealand-based Westland Milk Products for seven years, after an eleven-year tenure at Fonterra.
Dave Chen, Perfection Fresh’s Chairman, commented, “Rod’s wealth of experience in global markets, leadership, and customer partnerships makes him the ideal person to take Perfection Fresh into its next chapter.”
Currently, Perfection Fresh operates farms throughout Australia, which include glasshouses, grape, and berry farms.
The company collaborates with farmers to cultivate its unique produce varieties, ensuring quality and consistency.
Some well-known brands under Perfection Fresh include Mix-a-Mato tomatoes, Ecoganic Red Tip Bananas, Sunworld Grapes, and Perfection Berries.
Additionally, the company exports fresh produce year-round, supplying seasonal fruits and vegetables to markets across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
