Driscoll's honors longtime board member Neil DeFeo and welcomes Berry Martin; comments by J. Miles Reiter and Soren Bjorn

08/05/2025

WATSONVILLE, CA – Driscoll's, the world's largest soft fruit company, announces the retirement of Neil P. DeFeo, a long-time member of the board of directors, after 27 years of distinguished service. In his place, Driscoll's welcomes Berry Martin, a global leader in agricultural finance, to its Board of Directors, reinforcing the company's commitment to global growth, innovation, and sustainability.

DeFeo joined the Board of Directors in 1998 and was a trusted strategic partner to management during a crucial period of growth. His tenure coincided with Driscoll's global expansion under the direction of J. Miles Reiter, who assumed the presidency in 1988 and He served as CEO from 2000 to 2015 , and again between 2018 and 2024. Currently, as executive chairman, Reiter has helped guide Driscoll's transformation from a regional business to a global brand. Reiter and DeFeo's long-standing collaboration helped define the company's strategic direction during this transformation.

J. Miles Reiter, Executive Chairman of the Board of Driscoll's

“Neil has been an extraordinary member of the Board, a trusted advisor, and a true friend,” said J. Miles Reiter, Driscoll's Chief Executive Officer. “He brought a sharp, results-oriented mindset, which drove us to act with boldness and clarity. His ability to translate consumer insight into business strategy strengthened our brand and our market position. I am deeply grateful for the impact he has had on Driscoll's and on me personally.”

A seasoned executive and respected board member, DeFeo led Playtex Products Company as president and CEO, tripling shareholder value prior to its sale to Energizer Holdings. He also held senior positions at Procter & Gamble and Clorox Company, served as president and CEO of Remington Products, co-founded Sun Products Company, and later co-founded Nonantum Capital Partners. His board experience has spanned public and private companies, private equity firms, and mission-driven nonprofit organizations, leaving a legacy of visionary leadership and results.

Looking to the future, Driscoll's welcomes Berry Martin to its Board of Directors. A global leader in agricultural finance with deep roots in the agricultural sector, Martin brings more than 30 years of executive experience in international banking, food systems, and sustainability. From 2009 to 2023, he served on Rabobank's Board of Directors, where he oversaw key business units such as Wholesale and Rural Banking, Global Food and Agriculture, Financial Leasing, and Sustainability, including the Rabo Carbon Bank.

“Marttin’s extensive experience in agriculture, sustainability, and finance makes him an invaluable addition to our Board of Directors,” he said. Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll's, in a recent press release. “As We expand our brand worldwide “Their expertise will help us stay agile and innovative, improve operational efficiency, and ensure business resilience in the face of industry challenges.”

Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll's

Marttin previously held executive positions in Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Curaçao, and Brazil, and in 2004 became Chairman of Rabobank Amsterdam. He also served as Chairman of the European Association of Cooperative Banks (EACB) and on the Supervisory Board of Wageningen University and IDH ( Sustainable Trade Initiative ). In 2021, she joined the United Nations Food Systems Summit Champions Network.

He currently serves on the boards of the Global Alliance for Better Nutrition (GAIN), Koppert BV, the Rainforest Alliance, and the Hans R. Neumann Foundation, and is a member of the International Advisory Board of the Riddet Institute of New Zealand's Sustainable Nutrition Initiative.

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