Driscoll's has announced that its Board of Directors selected Brie Reiter Smith to serve as the company's next Vice Chair, effective January 2026. The decision, made in March 2025, marks a leadership transition within the family-owned berry company. Smith, the daughter of Executive Chairman J. Miles Reiter, will assume a full-time governance role, focusing on board operations, shareholder relations, and meeting coordination.
© Driscoll's
Smith has worked at Driscoll's for 14 years in various management and field roles. She and her husband, Brian, began as blueberry farm workers before becoming growers in Chile. When the company's Chilean operations encountered financial difficulties, she was appointed Managing Director, where she guided the business to break-even performance and supported the establishment of operations in Peru.
After returning to the United States, Smith led Driscoll's U.S. Northern District, overseeing grower relations and quality management. She later redesigned the company's internal quality system to improve berry flavor consistency and feedback mechanisms for growers. More recently, she headed the Product Leadership team at Driscoll's of the Americas, where she restructured product management processes now used across the organization.
Executive Chairman J. Miles Reiter said Smith's appointment reflects her long experience within the company. "Her ability to navigate complex challenges while staying grounded in our company's values makes her qualified for this role," he said. "Brie's appointment as Vice Chair is a natural progression, and I have every confidence in her continued impact on Driscoll's future."
Soren Bjorn, Chief Executive Officer of Driscoll's, said Smith's transition comes as the company continues expanding internationally. "As we continue to scale globally and embrace innovation, her understanding of our culture and her ability to connect with growers and leaders across regions will be valuable," he said.
Board members view Smith as a potential future Chairperson, citing her governance experience and operational background. In her statement, Smith said the new position would allow her to focus on long-term strategic work. "Assuming my responsibilities as Vice Chair and now stepping down from management is the next step toward that vision — one that I believe benefits both our company and our family," she said.
Founded in 1904, Driscoll's remains a fourth-generation family-owned company, with the Reiter family continuing to play a central role in its governance and grower network.
For more information:
Frances Dillard
Driscoll's
Tel: +1 800 871 3333
Email: [email protected]
www.driscolls.com
