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Paolo Bruni has stepped down as president of Apo Conerpo, one of Italy’s largest fruit and vegetable producer organisations and a major player in the international fresh produce market, after 16 years. Announcing his decision, Mr Bruni said he had opted to relinquish his position at Apo Conerpo in order to dedicate more time to his European commitments.

Ireland-based tropical fruit importer Fyffes has announced that Paul Clüver is to retire as a non-executive director of the group and will not be seeking re-election at the company’s next annual general meeting, due to be held in Dublin on 12 May.

Univeg has announced the appointment of Cees Ritmeester as its new supply chain director Europe, where he will be responsible for developing the supply chain throughout the Univeg group by streamlining operations and maximising synergies.

Luciano Trentini, director of Italian fresh produce research and promotion agency CSO, has been appointed as the new president of the European Commission’s agricultural promotion advisory committee.

Markus Mosa, chief executive of German food retail group Edeka, has been named as the new chairman of food safety body Qualität und Sicherheit (QS), replacing Josef Sanktjohanser.

The new 2011/2012 Board of Directors for the Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers Association of Michoacán has been sworn in, and will be headed by new chairman Ricardo Vega.

The Australian Fresh Fruit Company (AFFCO) has announced that its general manager Andrew Dick has stepped down after more than 15 years with the group. Separately, Rob Cathels from fruit distributor N&A Group has been appointed to the AFFCO board.

X5 Retail Group, Russia’s largest retailer in terms of sales, has announced that it has accepted the resignation of chief executive officer Lev Khasis after five years at the helm of the company. Deputy CEO Andrei Gusev has been elected as his replacement.