David Holman has left major Australian fresh produce marketer Holman Fresh after some 30 years with the company, with ex-Carter & Spencer executive Mark Leng installed as the new general manager of Holman Fresh.

Holman joined the company as a family-owned business – John Holman & Co – back in 1985, later becoming managing director. He has continued to run the business as CEO of Holman Fresh since it was sold to New Zealand-based Freshmax Pty in 2007.

Holman left Holman Fresh yesterday (10 February), ending a 30-year tenure with company.

“I’ve spent my whole career in the fresh produce business with Holman Fresh, and enjoyed it very much, but it’s time to look for new challenges. Freshmax and I have agreed to part ways amicably,” Holman told Asiafruit today (11 February). “I am going to take a break and explore some new opportunities at some point down the track.”

Asiafruit understands Holman must now take some time away from the fresh produce business under a restraint of trade agreement with Freshmax, although the period of that restraint of trade is yet to be determined.

Commenting on Holman's departure, Freshmax group CEO Ross Kane said: 'On behalf of the whole Freshmax/Holman Fresh team, we'd like to thank David for his efforts over the past few years, and we wish him well in his future endeavours.'

Mark Leng, who has previously served in executive positions with Costa Group, Premier Fruits and most recently, Carter & Spencer, took over as general manager of Holman Fresh yesterday.

Kane said that Leng would be running the entire Holman Fresh business, reporting to chief operating officer Alan Engeman.

“We’re delighted to have Mark join us,” Kane commented. “We’re trying to build the business and become more vertically integrated. Mark’s background, experience and skill-set bring all that to the table.”

Holman’s departure follows the exit of other long-serving Holman Fresh personnel in recent months. Anthony Holman, David’s brother, took redundancy in July last year, when the Holman Fresh banana business he headed up was folded into Freshmax subsidiary De Luca Banana Marketing.

More recently, key export managers Colleen Dangerfield and Laurie Valvo left to join Melbourne-based export company Fruit Master Australia, which is led by experienced produce trader Brett Pickering.

Kane said Holman Fresh was in the process of recruiting a new export manager.

Although Holman has resigned his position as a director of Freshmax, he remains a shareholder. “I wish the business continued success,” he said.

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