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Chiquita Names New Corporate Responsibility Officer
Chiquita Names New Corporate Responsibility Officer
Published 03-17-05
Submitted by Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
"As a member of the executive leadership team, Manuel will ensure that corporate responsibility continues to be woven into every major decision we make as a company," said Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer. "Manuel has been a driving force behind the development and implementation of the labor rights framework agreement we signed in 2001 with the International Union of Foodworkers and COLSIBA, the affiliation of banana workers unions in Latin America. This landmark agreement has been widely recognized as a model for workers' rights."
In his CRO role, Rodriguez will report to Aguirre and will communicate on important policy issues with the nominating and governance committee of the board of directors.
The company also announced that David McLaughlin, senior director of environmental and social performance, will now report directly to Rodriguez and continue to oversee the integration of corporate responsibility into Chiquita's management systems and day-to-day operations. In 1992, McLaughlin pioneered Chiquita's partnership with the Rainforest Alliance, a leading environmental conservation organization.
Today, 100 percent of Chiquita's owned banana farms in Latin America, which cover more than 15,000 hectares and employ approximately 14,000 people, have achieved certification to the stringent standards of the Rainforest Alliance and SA8000.
"Both Manuel and David have long been outspoken advocates for high standards of environmental and social performance, including labor rights, both within Chiquita and in the industry," Aguirre said. "They have earned the respect of the company's external stakeholders, and I look forward to their continuing guidance of Chiquita's progress in these areas."
Jeffrey M. Zalla, who has served as Chiquita's CRO since 2000, will assume new responsibilities as vice president of finance for Chiquita Fresh North America upon the completion of financing for the company's announced acquisition of Fresh Express.
"Jeff has provided excellent stewardship of Chiquita's corporate responsibility efforts since 1998," Aguirre said. "Working with employees throughout the company, Jeff led our long-term corporate responsibility strategy, including the development of our Core Values in 1999, expanded Code of Conduct adopted in 2000 and corporate responsibility reports published since 2001. As a result of Jeff's extraordinary leadership and passion for our corporate responsibility performance, Chiquita has earned the respect of many who were once harsh critics of the company. I am pleased that Jeff will now focus his talent and energy on strengthening our North American business, which is one of the most important strategic priorities for the company."
Chiquita Brands International is a leading international marketer, producer and distributor of high-quality bananas and other fresh produce, which are sold under the premium Chiquita® brand. The company is one of the largest banana producers in the world and a major supplier of bananas in Europe and North America. The company also distributes and markets fresh-cut fruit and other branded, value-added fruit products. Additional information is available at www.chiquita.com.
Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
