Produce industry maven Jan DeLyser announced her plan to retire from the California Avocado Commission after 24 years of service to the organization. The tentative timing for her retirement is mid-February 2023.
“Jan DeLyser is an icon in the industry and has been instrumental in the development of the avocado category and the California avocado brand,” said Jeff Oberman, president of CAC. “Her commitment to California avocados, the growers and her support of the Commission through its recent leadership transition has been invaluable and appreciated.”
DeLyser spent her entire 47-year career in the produce industry. Prior to working for the Commission, she held a number of positions in the produce industry, working with The Packer, the Fresh Produce Council (now Fresh Produce & Floral Council), Sun World International and Westlake Produce Inc. She joined CAC in 1998 as merchandising director for the Southwest Region. In 2000 she was promoted to vice president merchandising and to vice president marketing in 2003.
DeLyser is retiring from the California Avocado Commission after 24 years of service to the organization.
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Jan and witnessing her exceptional leadership, creativity and understanding of the industry,” said Rob Grether, chairman. “I am most grateful to Jan for her tireless efforts over the past 24 years to not only increase demand for our state’s avocados but to also lay the foundation for sustainable demand for years to come.”
DeLyser's career was filled with mentorship and leadership. She was chairperson of the Produce Marketing Association and served on the board of directors of the United Fresh Produce Association. She currently serves on the IFPA’s DEI committee, represents the Commission on the Buy California Marketing Agreement as a board member and is a member of the Brighter Bites Los Angeles committee. A former chair of the Produce for Better Health Foundation and the Fresh Produce & Floral Council, she was appointed to the California State Polytechnic University Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Council in May 2021. Awards and accolades have followed from her years of marketing excellence and contributions to the industry, including the fact that during her tenure as vice president marketing, the Commission received a Marketing Excellence Award from Produce Business for 11 consecutive years
“California avocados have been a significant part of my life for nearly a quarter of a century and my entire adulthood has revolved around the produce world that I love,” said DeLyser. “I look forward to new experiences, more time with family and staying in touch with colleagues who have become dear friends.”
The Commission is actively seeking a vice president of marketing to serve after DeLyser’s retirement and advises that interested qualified individuals should send a cover letter and resumé to [email protected].
For more information:
Marji Morrow
California Avocado Commission
Tel: +1 (323) 456-6751
[email protected]
www.CaliforniaAvocado.com