ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF. — Zespri Kiwifruit has promoted Darren LaMothe to be the general manager for the company’s operation in North America. LaMothe succeeds Dan Riley, who has held the role since 2021.

“We are excited to support Darren as the general manager as he transitions from his outstanding efforts managing and improving our supply chain program,” said Linda Mills, Zespri’s acting president, Europe and North America. “His business acumen and people forward mindset will be vital as we continue to expand our business.”

Before he worked at Zespri, LaMothe gained 18 years of experience in supply chain management at companies like as PepsiCo, Syncreon (DP World Company), and Procter & Gamble.

LaMothe holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and recently earned his MBA in Finance, graduating this year from the University of Arizona.

He also is certified in Supply Chain Profession (CSCP), Planning & Inventory Manager (CPIM), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

“I am excited for this new opportunity within the organization,” LaMothe said. “We have a great team in place, and together, I look forward to building upon Zespri’s success as the No. 1 fastest growing fruit. I am also excited to work with our retail and distributor partners to continue our successful trajectory of growing the category by providing the best-tasting kiwifruit to consumers.”