Citrus giant leader since 1997: Tada, Limoneira CEO, to step down

March 07, 2003
Santa Paula News

Pierre Tada, the Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira, has announced that he will be stepping down from his post leading the citrus giant in a year.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesPierre Tada, the Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira, has announced that he will be stepping down from his post leading the citrus giant in a year.“It’s a personal decision; it’s time for Rebecca and I to make some changes,” due to personal family issues, said Tada. “I really wanted to give Limoneira time to make changes. . .it’s a wonderful company, great people and has a rich history. I want to honor the company by handling the transition in a manner Limoneira deserves.”Tada made the announcement shortly after the company’s 109th annual shareholders’ meeting.Tada first came to the Santa Paula-based Limoneira Co. in 1987 and held two other senior executive positions before being appointed CEO in 1997.“It has truly been a privilege to serve this great company and its board of directors,” said Tada. “My 16 years with Limoneira has been an outstanding experience. I have been afforded the opportunity to work and grow professionally with wonderful people while growing the company.”Tada noted that Limoneira is a “venerable institution that has been a part of the leadership fabric of Ventura County since 1893. . .the goals I have set out to complete have been accomplished and this company is well positioned for the future.”
Limoneira is a leading producer and shipper of citrus, avocados and other agricultural commodities with operations throughout California.Limoneira Chairman Emeritus Jack Dickenson said that the company is “very fortunate to have Pierre’s leadership,” and the company not only posted record operating results the past year but “more than doubled in size during Pierre’s tenure. He made a positive impact in his leadership roles in the company, industry and community.”The influence of Tada, a past Santa Paula Rotary President who is active in community affairs, extends to the national level through his involvement with federal trade councils. Tada, selected as Chairman of the U.S. Citrus Council founded in 1998, was at the forefront of successfully passed legislation and won a landmark federal case that positively impacted international trade rules for the agribusiness industry. He also serves as director and vice chairman for Sunkist Growers and as chairman of Mission Produce, a leading marketer or avocados.Tada will work closely with Limoneira’s board in the search for his replacement.Tada has not yet considered what he will do after leaving Limoneira, noting that “at this point, I’m just focused on making sure that Limoneira is appropriately taken care of in this transition, and I’m going to be taking care of these family matters in between. We’ll see what the future brings.”



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