Juan Wiesner leaves behind a legacy of successful vertical integration in Peru and Guatemala, with long-time company executive Simón González taking over international farming operations across both countries
Mission Produce has announced that Juan Wiesner, the group’s president for Central and South America, will retire effective 1 November following 14 years of leadership.
As part of the company’s strategic succession plan, Simón González, a 13-year Mission veteran, will be promoted to senior vice president, international farming, upon Wiesner’s retirement.
Mission said that during his tenure, Wiesner led the company’s growth across Central and South America, playing a pivotal role in the development of the group’s vertically integrated and international farming operations.
Most notably, it outlined, he launched and scaled Mission’s Peruvian operation and expanded the company’s international footprint into Guatemala.
“Juan has been an integral part of Mission Produce’s global growth,” said Steve Barnard, CEO at Mission Produce.
“When the company first established operations in Peru, he brought our vision of vertical integration to life with determination and a deep commitment to excellence.”
Wiesner noted that, as he stepped into the next phase of his career, he did so with ”deep gratitude” for his journey at Mission Produce.
“When I joined Mission, vertical integration in Peru was only an idea – and today, I am proud to leave behind a thriving operation spanning more than 6,500 plantable hectares of avocados, mangoes and blueberries across Peru and Guatemala,” he said.
”I express my deep gratitude to Steve Barnard for his trust and support, to the board of directors, and to the exceptional team I’ve had the privilege of working with these past 14 years.”
Mission explained that, as it looks to the future, leadership will pass to González, a ”trusted executive with deep roots in the organisation”.
He currently leads the company’s post-harvest and packing operations and has been ”instrumental” in executing key strategic initiatives across Peru and Guatemala.
In his expanded role as senior vice president, international farming, González will oversee agricultural production and packing operations for avocados, blueberries, and mangoes in both countries.
“As we approach a new chapter of Mission’s long-term global growth strategy, the company has been diligently preparing for this transition,” added Barnard.
“With Simón’s deep expertise, proven leadership, and commitment to operational excellence, we are confident that he will continue to drive the company’s international success and deliver on our strategic vision.”
