Chestnut Hill Farms, a vertically-integrated importer of fresh pineapples in North America with substantial farm participation in Costa Rica, announced leadership changes to its executive team and advisory board, all effective February 1.
Long time president and chief operating officer, Raul Romero, is stepping down and taking on the leadership responsibilities as executive director of the Chestnut Hill Farms advisory board.
Left to right: Raul Romero, Martin S. Jensen
"For the past 30 years, Raul has been the foundation of the company’s operational success," said Trond S. Jensen, Chestnut Hill Farms CEO and chairman of the advisory board. "He has spent more years with Chestnut Hill Farms than anyone else, including myself. His leadership on the board will be invaluable and assure continuity as Chestnut Hill Farms enters the next phase of growth."
Taking on the president and chief operating officer role is Martin S. Jensen.
"Martin brings valuable experience in all aspects of agribusiness operations and has the skills and passion that will guide Chestnut Hill Farms into the future," said Romero.
Martin earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, and subsequently earned his Juris Doctor degree at Florida International University.
Prior to Chestnut Hill Farms, Martin served as associate counsel for Gibraltar Private Bank, gaining experience in corporate governance and regulatory issues, negotiating and managing litigation. He also worked for Sol Group Marketing Company, a Fyffes subsidiary, handling legal and business dealings, such as providing counsel for strategic business decisions, managing the acquisition of a banana plantation in Central America, overseeing key land trusts for farm holdings in Honduras and managing claims, litigation and immigration matters. In Costa Rica, Martin immersed himself in the operations of Upala Agricola, a successful pineapple farming and packing business.
Since joining Chestnut Hill Farms in 2018, Martin has served as general counsel, operations coordinator, director of operations and in 2021 assumed the position of vice-president North America sales, operations and logistics.
Left to right: Trond S. Jensen, Bill Sheridan and John Ordman.
"Martin’s strategic, innovative and analytical mind drives him as a change agent at Chestnut Hill Farms," said Romero. "He has the skills and vision to lead as president and COO. We are extremely enthusiastic about the future with Martin at the helm."
Additionally, William (Bill) Sheridan joins the Chestnut Hill Farms advisory board. Previously, Bill held senior executive roles at Del Monte, Banacol and One Banana. He brings a wealth of produce experience that comes after 40 years in the industry. Bill will assist in carrying out the board’s directives in sales and marketing to enhance Chestnut Hill Farms’ service, reliability, customer satisfaction and loyalty.
John Ordman will continue lending his business acumen to Chestnut Hill Farms as a member of the advisory board. Trond S. Jensen also remains as chief executive officer of Chestnut Hill Farms and chairman of the advisory board.
For more information:
Karen Nardozza
Leanne Salandro
Chestnut Hill Farms
[email protected]
[email protected]
https://www.chfusa.com/