Dive Brief:
- Dole Food Co. has announced a new president and COO, Johan Linden, as C. Michael Carter retires.
- Linden joined the company about a decade ago.
- Part of Linden's new responsibilities will be to help company owner David Murdock with expansion initiatives to target new markets.
Dive Insight:
Murdock may need some help from a solid president and COO right now as he faces his own woes connected with alleged coercion of the company's board of directors while trying to privatize Dole in 2013. At a February trial, Murdock appeared to dodge financial questions, talking instead about banana boats.
Murdock said in the company's press release, “[Linden] has a breadth of global and day-to-day operational experience that will enable us to focus even more on creative initiatives and strategic decision-making. I am confident that this management change with [Linden] as president will bring great value to the company."