Chiquita Brands International has appointed a CEO to replace Fernando Aguirre who announced his decision to step down amid a company revamp in August.
Edward Lonergan, most recently CEO of hygiene solutions firm Diversey Inc, will take up the role with effect from 8 October.
"We are extremely pleased to announce that, after a thorough search process, the board has chosen Ed Lonergan as its next president and CEO," said Kerrii Anderson, Chiquita's chairwoman. "Ed brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across many industries, and is widely recognised as an outstanding business leader with an impressive track record of success."
Prior to his role at Diversey, Lonergan served as the president of the European region for The Gillette Co from May 2002 to December 2005.
The fresh produce multinational recently unveiled plans to "rebalance" its structure by "strategically transforming the company to a high volume, lower cost operator" through US$60m in annual cost savings.
The restructuring is expected to reduce expenses and focus its resources on bananas and salads. The company said it will focus on increasing volumes, reducing operating and administrative costs, and "aligning investment opportunities for both business units".
