On Thursday 3 Nov., Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. announced that Youssef Zakharia has been appointed to succeed Hani El-Naffy as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, effective Nov 3, 2016 upon the completion of the previously announced transition of the active employment of Mr. El-Naffy to his position as a consultant for the Company, which will last until February 28, 2017.
Also, as previously announced, Mr. El-Naffy will remain a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. As President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Zakharia will have responsibility for all of the Company’s operating units worldwide and will report directly to Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Zakharia has held positions in the Company’s management for over 16 years, most recently as Executive Vice President and as the Company’s Vice President, Europe and Africa. Previously, Mr. Zakharia also served as Vice President for the Company’s Middle East and North Africa region, Vice President, Human Resources for the Company’s Europe, Africa and Middle East region and Director of Operations for the Company’s Europe, Africa and Middle East region.
“Youssef has built an impressive track record of strategic and operational accomplishments, particularly in his years as a valued member of our management team,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “He has proven to be a successful and trusted leader in our organization. His wealth of experience across our global operations, particularly in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, make him the ideal person for this position. I am very pleased with his appointment to this critical role as we continue to execute our strategies to achieve sustainable growth.”
For more information:
Christine Cannella
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
Tel: 305-520-8433
