Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) has announced the appointment of Douglas M. Stone to its board of directors, effective November 26, 2025. Stone, who brings decades of leadership experience in the agribusiness industry, has been appointed as an independent Class I director with a term expiring at the company’s 2027 annual meeting of stockholders. In connection with this appointment, Mission Produce’s board of directors has increased the size of the board from ten to eleven directors.
Stone has also been appointed to the compensation committee, effective November 26, 2025, replacing Bruce C. Taylor. Stone most recently served as the President of Agribusiness at J.R. Simplot Company from June 2018 to December 2024, where he oversaw strategic growth and operational excellence across global markets.
Steve Barnard, CEO of Mission Produce, commented on Stone's appointment, stating, “His proven ability to drive operational efficiency and strategic sourcing will be invaluable as Mission continues to strengthen its global network and deliver value to customers and shareholders.”
Stone, who holds an MBA from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Iowa, expressed his honor in joining Mission Produce’s board of directors, noting that the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and growth aligns with his professional values.
Mission Produce, Inc. is a global leader in the worldwide fresh produce business, delivering fresh Hass avocados and mangos to retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers in over 25 countries. The company has been sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados since 1983 and now also markets mangos and grows blueberries as part of its diversified portfolio. Mission Produce is vertically integrated and owns five state-of-the-art packing facilities across the U.S., Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala, with sourcing capabilities across 20+ premium growing regions. The company’s global distribution network includes strategically positioned forward distribution centers across key markets throughout North America, China, Europe, and the UK, offering value-added services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing, and logistical management. The market has reacted to these announcements by moving the company's shares 1.27% to a price of $11.92. Check out the company's full 8-K submission here.
