Nature Fresh Farms names new CEO

Nature Fresh Farms has tapped former Tillamook County Creamery Association CEO Patrick Criteser as its new chief executive.

He takes over the role from founder and owner Peter Quiring, who will become executive chairman of the board.

John Ketler will remain president of the produce company.

The Leamington, Ont.-based greenhouse grower produces tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and berries using vertically integrated technology.

Criteser brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the role. 

Prior to U.S.-based Tillamook, where he worked for 12 years, the executive spent eight years as president and CEO of Coffee Bean International and one year as co-CEO of Farmer Brothers.

Criteser also held management and strategic development roles at brands such as Nike, The Walt Disney Company and Procter & Gamble.  

“Patrick is exactly who we need right now to navigate this period of tremendous growth,” Quiring said. “He shares our entrepreneurial drive to develop new varieties that are more nutritious and more delicious, while investing in the people who make it possible. His strategic thinking and deep business experience will help inspire a new generation of sustainability and innovation.”