Unifrutti Group has appointed José Antonio Gómez Bazán as Group Chief Executive Officer, as the global fresh fruit company prepares to advance the next phase of growth across its integrated production, sourcing and marketing platform.
Gómez Bazán will be based at Unifrutti’s global headquarters in Abu Dhabi and will oversee the Group’s operations across its international growing, sourcing and commercial activities.
More than two decades in fresh produce
The new CEO brings more than 20 years of experience in the international food and fresh produce industry, including 13 years with Camposol, the Peru-based multinational producer and marketer of avocados, blueberries, mandarins, grapes and mangoes.
During his time at Camposol, Gómez Bazán served as Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of the international division, before becoming CEO in September 2021.
His international industry experience also includes board positions at the United Fresh Produce Association and the Produce Marketing Association, as well as serving as Vice Chair of the Peruvian Avocado Commission and as a Director of the World Avocado Organization.
Gómez Bazán is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, where he completed the Advanced Management Program, and holds an MBA from INCAE Business School.
Focus on growth and global partnerships
Following his appointment, Gómez Bazán highlighted Unifrutti’s international footprint, its production base and its long-standing relationships with customers as key strengths for the company’s future development.
“It is a privilege to join Unifrutti, a company with more than 75 years of heritage and one of the most complete multi-fruit platforms in the world,” said Gómez Bazán.
He added that his priorities will include working with Unifrutti’s teams to grow from the field up, strengthen relationships with customers and continue developing quality and sustainability across the fresh fruit business.
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Unifrutti operates an integrated fresh fruit platform spanning production, sourcing and marketing, with activities across international markets.
Change at the top
Gómez Bazán succeeds Svet Varadzhakov, who had been serving as Interim Group CEO. Varadzhakov will remain a member of the Unifrutti Board.
