Importer and fresh produce marketer Worldwide Fruit’s CEO Robert Balicki is stepping down to be replaced by the group’s commercial director Steve Maxwell, FPJ has learned.
Balicki, who confirmed he gave six months notice for the planned move, will step down on Monday 30 June after eight years in the role, a tenure that is longer than both predecessors combined.
“It’s to do with good succession planning. It’s good for a business to have a bit of change,” he said. “I’ve always believed that chief executives shouldn’t be there for ever and a day.
“It’s a sensible move, and one that suits me. It’s time for someone else to have a go.”
Balicki said he is not leaving to move to another role, but instead will return to his Canterbury-based farm where he will continue to supply top fruit to Worldwide Fruit.
“It’s been a fantastic opportunity and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m really pleased that the board has given Steve the nod, he will be very good in the role and I wish him the very best of luck.”
Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples & Pears, praised Balicki’s achievements at Worldwide Fruit and his impact on the wider apple industry. “Rob Balicki has done a terrific job. He has turned Worldwide Fruit into an outstanding business.
“He’s very modest and puts it down to those around him. It hasn’t always been plain sailing.”
Barlow added that Balicki has stepped down because he felt it was in the best interests of the industry, and said his support for English apples and pears has meant the whole sector has benefited.
“Steve Maxwell is a very experienced individual. He has a lot of experience with the apple industry and with importing kiwis and avocados. I’m sure he will do a first-class job,” Barlow said.
Balicki, a former company chairman, was named as CEO in December 2006, after temporarily holding the position since August of the same year.
At the same time as Balicki’s appointment, Worldwide Fruit announced it would invest £5million in a new ripening and packing facility in Spalding, due for completion on 15 September of this year. “The business is moving forward. It’s in a very good position,” said Balicki.
The group, joint-owned by UK producer organisation Fruition and top-fruit giant Enza New Zealand, markets apple Enza’s apple brands Jazz and Envy in the UK, and supplies just under 20 per cent of the UK’s retail top-fruit trade.
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