Mission Produce announces C-suite changes for 2026
Oxnard-based Mission Produce announced some succession planning in the works for 2026, as CEO and Co-Founder Steve Barnard announced he will transition to the executive chairman role in April 2026. Succeeding him in April will be current President and COO John Pawlowski.
As executive chairman, Barnard will chair the board and provide strategic oversight, working closely with Pawlowski and Mission’s leadership team to advance the Company’s long-term vision for responsible growth and category stewardship, the company said in a Dec. 18 press release.
“As we plan for Mission’s next chapter, I’m proud of the team that has grown this business from a local operation into a global leader,” said Barnard. “This transition is about continuity for our customers and grower partners—sustaining the operational discipline, product quality, and service reliability they count on from Mission. Since joining Mission, John has brought tremendous leadership and operational expertise, and I am confident that his strategic vision and decades of experience in the global food industry makes him the ideal leader to guide Mission through its next chapter of growth. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to supporting John and the team in my new role as Executive Chairman of the Board.”
Pawlowski joined Mission Produce in April 2024. Prior to joining, Pawlowski served as president and COO of Lipari Foods, a leading independent distributor.
“I am honored to take on the role of CEO and grateful to Steve and the Board for their confidence,” said Pawlowski. “Mission is positioned to keep elevating the avocado and mango experience—partnering with retailers and foodservice operators to grow consumption, improve consistency, and accelerate growth. I am excited to lead our talented team as we continue to focus on operational excellence, strong grower relationships, and category-building programs that create value across the supply chain. The future is bright for Mission Produce, and I look forward to building on the incredible foundation Steve and the team have created.”
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