SALINAS, CA – Naturipe Farms has a new name to put on its roster of West Coast leadership. The company has promoted Brian Vertrees as its Director of Business Development-West, and has tasked him with providing additional leadership, guidance, and direction for Naturipe’s West Coast blueberries and organic berry programs.

“Naturipe continues to grow, and I am thrilled to take on this larger role and be a part of this journey with such a great organization,” said Vertrees upon his appointment.

Vertrees first joined Naturipe Farms in 2011, where he began as an Account Manager before being promoted to Senior Account Manager in April 2014. According to a press release, he is a also a graduate of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program (Class 21), as well as a graduate of Naturipe Farms Cultivate Leadership Program (Class 3).

“It comes with great joy to promote Brian from within the Naturipe family to take on this new role,” said Jim Roberts, VP of Sales-East and one of the direct supervisors of Vertrees. “His vast industry knowledge and experience with berries makes him the perfect fit for this position. He is well-respected and a trusted individual in our industry. I have no doubt that he’ll continue to do a wonderful job helping lead our organization to meet its goals and objectives for his area of responsibility.”

The company noted that Vertrees is planning to relocate his family to work from Naturipe’s headquarters in Salinas. Along with Roberts, Vinnie Lopes, VP of Sales-West, will also be Vertrees supervisor.

“Brian has shown a great passion for the berry business and has a proven track record of connecting our growers to our customers to maximize sales of high-quality Naturipe berries, and in his new role this will allow him to expand this even further,” continued Roberts.

Congratulations are in order for Vertrees as he takes on this new role, and here’s to many good things to come for him and the rest of the Naturipe team.

Naturipe Farms