US grower has promoted Leighton Dill and Jacob Peterson
California fruit grower Family Tree Farms has announced two internal promotions.
Leighton Dill has been promoted to marketing director, while Jacob Peterson becomes the new research and development director. Both promotions became effective from 1 January.
Family Tree Farms said Dill has played a key role in advancing its brand strategy, marketing initiatives, and global market presence. Her leadership has strengthened customer partnerships, elevated brand storytelling, and supported the company’s continued growth across domestic and international markets, it added.
She has over 10 years in the agricultural industry, with deep marketing experience gained through overseeing a broad portfolio of agricultural brands across domestic and now international markets.
“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into this role,” she said. ”Family Tree Farms represents the values I’ve built my career on, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our brand, support our growers, and help deliver the most flavorful fruit in the world.”
Peterson, meanwhile, is described as having played a central role within Family Tree Farms’ Research & Development Center, where he has worked closely with the team to select and refine proprietary varieties for superior flavour and market performance.
He has been instrumental in advancing the company’s varietal development efforts and strengthening the foundation for future genetics programmes, it continued.
“I’m honored to take on this role and build on the incredible work already underway,” he said. “I am extremely thankful for [former R&D director] Eric [Wuhl] and his mentorship to me, and I look forward to leading our R&D team as we continue developing fruit that delivers exceptional quality and flavour for our customers and consumers.”
