Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet, a major player in the global fresh produce industry, has announced a significant leadership change. Andrea Montagna has been appointed as co-CEO, joining Mayda Sotomayor, who has led the company for more than 15 years.
This new co-CEO structure marks a transformational step in Greenyard’s U.S. leadership, reflecting the company’s growth strategy and commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable agriculture.
Here’s everything you need to know about this high-profile leadership move and how it will shape the future of Greenyard USA.
Who Is Andrea Montagna?
Andrea Montagna is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the fresh produce and consumer goods industry. Prior to this appointment, he held leadership roles at:
- Greenyard Fresh Italy – serving as CEO
- Bonduelle Group – a global leader in processed vegetables
- Unilever – where he worked in brand strategy and business development
Montagna is known for his strong background in international business management, supply chain transformation, and sustainable growth strategies.
In his new position, he will work closely with Mayda Sotomayor to lead Greenyard USA into its next phase of development.
Why the Co-CEO Model?
The decision to adopt a co-CEO leadership structure reflects Greenyard’s commitment to:
- Shared decision-making
- Balanced regional and global leadership
- Future-proofing the business model
Mayda Sotomayor brings deep knowledge of the U.S. market, customer relationships, and supply chain expertise. Andrea Montagna adds a global perspective and deep understanding of European market trends, product innovation, and corporate strategy.
By combining their strengths, Greenyard USA aims to enhance its responsiveness, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate its sustainability goals.
Company Statement on the Appointment
In a press release, Greenyard stated:
“We are excited to welcome Andrea Montagna as co-CEO of Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet. His appointment strengthens our leadership team and positions the company to meet the evolving needs of the fresh produce industry in the United States and beyond.”
Mayda Sotomayor, who will continue in her role as co-CEO, also shared her enthusiasm:
“I look forward to working with Andrea. Together, we will drive innovation, deepen relationships with our retail partners, and ensure Greenyard continues to lead in quality, service, and sustainability.”
Greenyard USA’s Role in the Produce Industry
Greenyard USA, operating under its Seald Sweet division, is one of the largest fresh produce importers and distributors in North America. The company specializes in:
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, mandarins)
- Table grapes
- Avocados
- Value-added fruit products
With a focus on vertical integration and long-term grower partnerships, Greenyard USA has built a strong reputation for reliability and freshness.
3 Key Impacts of the Co-CEO Appointment
This leadership announcement brings several important implications for the company, its partners, and the fresh produce sector.
1. Greater Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
Andrea Montagna is a strong advocate of sustainable practices and value chain innovation. His leadership is expected to:
- Accelerate eco-friendly packaging initiatives
- Promote digital transformation in logistics and quality control
- Expand organic and responsibly sourced produce offerings
Greenyard has already pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce food waste—areas where Montagna’s experience will be vital.
2. Strengthening International Collaboration
By bridging the European and North American markets, the co-CEO structure allows for:
- Better sharing of best practices between continents
- More streamlined global sourcing and distribution
- Coordinated responses to global challenges like climate impact and trade fluctuations
This will help Greenyard stay resilient in a competitive and fast-changing global supply chain.
3. Support for Retail Partners and Growers
With two experienced leaders at the helm, Greenyard USA aims to deliver greater value to its retail customers and growers.
Expect enhanced:
- Communication and service standards
- Contract transparency
- Customized category management strategies
Retailers can expect faster turnaround, better forecasting, and new product solutions in collaboration with the Greenyard team.
What This Means for the Produce Industry
The appointment of Andrea Montagna comes at a time when the fresh produce sector is facing multiple pressures, including:
- Labor shortages
- Changing consumer habits
- Logistical disruptions
- Inflation and pricing instability
In this context, Greenyard’s choice to strengthen its leadership team demonstrates a proactive strategy aimed at navigating uncertainty while seizing growth opportunities.
What’s Next for Greenyard USA?
With Montagna stepping into his new role, Greenyard USA is expected to:
- Launch new product lines tailored for health-conscious consumers
- Increase investment in digital tracking and cold chain tech
- Expand partnerships with U.S. and Latin American growers
- Explore new retail formats and direct-to-consumer models
The dual leadership model is also likely to influence other industry players, as companies look for more agile, responsive executive structures in post-pandemic markets.
Final Thoughts
The appointment of Andrea Montagna as co-CEO alongside Mayda Sotomayor is a clear signal that Greenyard USA is ready for a bold, balanced future.
With their combined experience, global vision, and operational expertise, the new leadership duo is well-equipped to help the company grow, adapt, and lead with purpose in a changing world.
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