FRESNO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sun-Maid Growers of California announced today Harry Overly, President and CEO, will transition to the new role of Executive Chairman of the Board as he assumes new responsibilities outside of the company, effective September 14, 2022. Braden Bender, current Sun-Maid Chief Financial Officer, will be appointed Interim-President as Overly works with the Board of Directors to conduct an executive search and finalize the company’s CEO succession plan.
“Harry is a considerate and ambitious leader and we’re fortunate to have had him lead our company over the last five years,” said Steve Kister, Chairman of the Sun-Maid Board of Directors. “We’re thankful for the leadership, vision and outstanding performance Harry brought to Sun-Maid. I’m very pleased that Harry will continue to work with our board as Executive Chairman, to continue the momentum he’s established.”
As Executive Chairman of the Board, Overly will continue to work with the Sun-Maid Board of Directors and senior leaders to ensure a smooth leadership transition, providing oversight and continuity in the company’s growth strategies. Overly has served as President & CEO of Sun-Maid since 2017, having transformed the 110 year-old cooperative into a consumer and market-focused organization dedicated to delivering superior returns for its grower-members. In 2021, he successfully spearheaded the company’s first-ever brand acquisition, bringing on Plum Organics, a leading premium, organic baby food business from the Campbell’s Soup Company. Under his leadership, Sun-Maid surpassed multiple company sales records as the agricultural business continues to aggressively grow.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead the Sun-Maid organization. I’d like to thank the Board of Directors, each and every grower-member and employee for their support as we transformed this beloved business and iconic brand to be more relevant to today’s shoppers,” said Overly. “While I’m personally excited for my next adventure within the better-for-you snacking space, which will still be involved with growers here in California’s Central Valley, the Sun-Maid family will always be important to me.”
About Sun-Maid Growers of California
Founded in 1912, Sun-Maid Growers of California is a farmer's cooperative of 750 grower families with vineyards in California's Central Valley. From childhood to adulthood and generation to generation, Sun-Maid's innovative snacks continue to feed imaginations one little red box at a time--because when imagination is used for good, there's nothing more delicious! And while some things change, our real, minimally processed and consistently good ingredients haven't. Always starting with a whole fruit you can see and taste, Sun-Maid continues to offer a trusted go-to snack that's simple, healthy and versatile--imagine that! For more information about Sun-Maid visit www.sunmaid.com and follow the brand on social media including TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.
