PRO*ACT, North America’s leading distributor of fresh produce, has promoted Casey Jarrard and hired Russ Wingo as Vice Presidents of Client Development, a new department for the national produce supply-chain management company. Led by Jarrard and Wingo, the department will work with key members of the senior management team, along with PRO*ACT’s national network of produce distributors. to drive sales via the creation and management of strategic client relationships. PRO*ACT’s Client Services team will continue to enhance existing client relationships.
Among the new development team’s responsibilities are to focus on the growth of new business opportunities through a diverse group of foodservice clients; to engage new customers on the core values of the PRO*ACT distribution network; and to develop strategic business plans for the future. The team will also manage contract negotiations with clients and distributors, evaluate all value-chain cost components to ensure competitive advantages, and work with PRO*ACT’s procurement specialists to bring in new and alternative products that meet existing and new customer needs.
Jarrard, who joined PRO*ACT in 2008, was promoted from the Client Services department. His experience includes director of national accounts for Direct Advantage, a grower/shipper company; vice president of sales and marketing for McEntire Produce; and director of national accounts for Performance Food Group. “I’m extremely excited to now be able to concentrate my time, effort and energy to developing new business,” he says. “Our Client Services team can nurture personal relationships with customers and deliver all the benefits that PRO*ACT can provide while Russ and I focus on new growth.”
Wingo came to the new PRO*ACT position from Sysco Corp., where he was Vice President of sales for FreshPoint. Prior to that, he was director of sales and marketing for the Produce Alliance and division vice president of sales at PYA-Monarch. “I’ve had more than 30 years in the foodservice industry and many of those with produce. I am looking forward to building this new department and helping to ensure the steady growth of PRO*ACT,” Wingo says.
Brian Kane, PRO*ACT Chief Operating Office, says, “Casey and Russ will coordinate with our distribution network to identify new business opportunities. They both have long-term experience with all different segments of foodservice and retail operations. We’re very excited about the growth of fresh products in the industry and are confident both Casey and Russ will bring valuable solutions to customers with their efforts.”
