BC Tree Fruit's Director of Sales & Marketing to retire

BC Tree Fruits announced today that the Cooperative’s Director of Sales and
Marketing, Rick Austin, will retire on December 31, 2013, starting a gradual leadership transition over the next nine months. Austin’s decision to retire will bring to a close a career of 33 years of continuous service to the Cooperative, its growers and retail partners. Over the past 15 years
Austin has held the positions of International Sales Director, Director of Sales, and most recently Director of Sales and Marketing.

“On behalf of the Board and everyone at BC Tree Fruits, I would like to thank Rick not only for his leadership over the last three years as Director of Sales and Marketing, but also for the dedication and commitment that he has given to BCTF for over three decades,” said Alan Tyabji, CEO. "We are grateful for his innumerable contributions.”

Under a succession plan, Austin will serve as a consultant providing executive advisory services until May 31, 2014 to ensure a smooth transition as three individuals assume new responsibilities, effective immediately:

Lance McGinn has been promoted from Sales Manager to Director of Sales.
Don Westcott has been promoted from Director of Grower Services & Logistics to Senior Director of Marketing & Planning.
Laurel Van Dam has been promoted from Business Development Manager to Sales Manager.

"I am grateful to have spent my entire career with this incredible organization, and deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to lead its sales and marketing efforts for the last three,” said Austin. “This is the culmination of a process that began some time ago with Lance, Don and Laurel now ready to take on their new leadership roles.”

For more information:
Chris Pollock, Marketing Manager
BC Tree Fruits
Tel: 250.470.4213
Email: [email protected]
www.bctree.com