The CEO of global berry distributor Driscoll's J. Mile Reiter has stepped down from the position after 15 years, and was replaced yesterday (April 1) by the former president and COO Kevin Murphy.

A release said that during his tenure as CEO, Reiter led Driscoll's 'in advancing key strategic initiatives' that had laid the foundation for Driscoll's global growth.

Reiter, who is a fourth generation grower and the grandson of one of Driscoll's founders, will retain his role as chairman of the board, a position he has held since 1998.

"Given our intention to become the world's berry company, we are very fortunate to have a leader of Kevin's caliber," Reiter said.

"In his time at Driscoll's and throughout his career, Kevin has demonstrated the ability to draw people together in the pursuit of shared goals. At the core of Driscoll's mission is a dedication to delighting consumers with the most delicious berries.

"We seek to bring an extra measure of joy into consumers' lives and into the lives of everyone we touch. I can speak for the owners of Driscoll's that we believe in and support Kevin's ability to create a future of which we can all be very proud."

Murphy said he was 'incredibly honored' to be given the opportunity to be the next CEO.

"Under the CEO leadership of Miles, the company has grown tremendously over the last fifteen years. My goal is to continue shaping our path forward and to focus on guiding the vision, mission and values that are the foundation to our company," he said.

"I look forward to building an even more exciting future for the next generation of stakeholders."

Murphy has more than 20 years of business and agriculture experience, and joined Driscoll's in 2008.

In a series of successive roles within the company, he first headed North America's supply and operations, before being promoted to serve as president of the Americas business unit. In late 2013, Murphy was promoted to his former role of president and COO.

Prior to his role at Driscoll's, Murphy held various strategic and executive roles with companies such as Fresh Express and Capurro Farms. Born and raised in South Africa, Murphy earned his undergraduate degree in agricultural economics from the University of Natal and his MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.

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