Kroger veteran joins CMI Orchards as VP of Marketing
Harter brings over 20 years of retail produce operations and management experience with the Kroger Company. During his career at Kroger he held a number of management and supervisory positions. Most recently Harter served as the Produce and Floral Merchandiser for the 186 stores of the Atlanta division of Kroger. Prior to moving to Atlanta, Harter held the same position at QFC stores in Seattle.
“Understanding how to succeed in the retail environment is absolutely critical to our success,” stated Bob Mast, president of CMI. “Apples have become one of the most complex categories in the produce department. With so many new brands, packages and varieties we really need to bring successful strategies to our retail partners with proven programs that drive sales."
"That’s exactly what George was able to do during his career at Kroger and we’re very excited that he’s now bringing his experience, energy, leadership and strategic thinking to CMI and our customers. He will be a terrific resource working closely with our retail customers to identify new growth opportunities,” said Mast.
“It is so exciting to join the amazing team at CMI Orchards,” Harter said. “I look forward to making great contributions to such an outstanding company.” Harter added that he remains thankful for the opportunity to have worked at Kroger. “Kroger was very good to me in so many ways, providing numerous opportunities to learn, grow and lead for over 20 years. I look forward to applying the successful principles I learned at Kroger to leading the marketing team at CMI.”
Harter notes that the apple category has changed dramatically in just a few short years, making the challenges and opportunities for retailers larger than ever. “The evolution of products and packaging in apples is really quite amazing,” said Harter.
“I’ve seen it from a store level perspective. I’ve come to appreciate how critical it is to find the intersection between continuing the success of established apple varieties, and creating growth by building consumer awareness for spectacular new apples like Ambrosia, Envy, KIKU and Kanzi. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to bring my retail experience to CMI’s strong customer base, helping them realize new opportunities to drive sales in the apple category.”
Harter will be relocating from Atlanta to the CMI Orchards headquarters in Wenatchee, Washington, beginning work on April 3. He holds a Masters in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan and a Bachelor in Business Administration degree from the University of Cincinnati. He is passionate about spending time with family, reading, and leading an active lifestyle and is looking forward to enjoying the many outdoor activities that the Northwest will offer.
For more information:
Linda McFarland
CMI Orchards
Tel: +1 509 888 3418
[email protected]
www.cmiorchards.com
