The Kroger Co. announced that Tim Massa, executive vice president and chief associate experience officer, will retire Sept. 18. Earlier this week the company said Valerie Jabbar, senior vice president of retail divisions, retired in May after 38 years of service.

San Diego Farms, parent company of Fresh Origins and BrightFresh Microgreens, announced senior leadership promotions for Tiago Castro, now vice president of operations, and Shelby Rodich, now director of marketing.

Castro's new role recognizes his record of professional excellence and contributions to the company's expansion. Castro previously served as director of operations for the company, where he led significant capacity growth and strengthened production processes to support customers nationwide.

JOH has promoted Brian LaMarche to vice president of produce, north central region. Since joining JOH in early 2025, LaMarche has quickly made a meaningful impact, helping strengthen the company’s growing presence in produce across the North Central market.

Bobalu Berry Farms has named Don Hobson its vice president of sales and business development. Bringing more than 30 years of produce industry experience, Hobson joins the Bobalu leadership team with an exceptional track record of driving strategic growth, strengthening customer partnerships, and expanding market opportunities across retail programs and foodservice channels.

Ronald Bown Fernández, the historic president of Frutas de Chile who led the organization for more than three decades, has died.

Nickey Gregory, founder of Nickey Gregory Co., dedicated more than four decades of his life to the wholesale produce business. He was a mentor, leader, friend and a steady hand to many across the Southeast and throughout the industry. Mr. Gregory’s influence can be felt at every level of the supply chain, in the customers he served, the growers he stood beside, the partners who came to rely on him and the team he built and inspired every day.