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. In connection with this appointment, Bruce C. Taylor will no longer serve on the compensation committee. Stone's appointment is expected to bring valuable insights as Mission Produce advances its global initiatives and explores new opportunities for growth.
Steve Barnard, CEO of Mission Produce, expressed confidence in Stone's ability, 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's extensive background includes serving 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. He also held key leadership roles at J.R. Simplot Company, Consolidated Sourcing Solutions, and Terra Industries Inc.
Mission Produce, Inc., a global leader in the worldwide fresh produce business, has been sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados since 1983. The company also markets mangos and grows blueberries as part of its diversified portfolio. It 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. Mission Produce provides a year-round supply of premium fresh fruit to retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers in over 25 countries. As a result of these announcements, the company's shares have moved 1.27% on the market, and are now trading at a price of $11.92. Check out the company's full 8-K submission here.
