John S. Musser

Consultant

Thirty years in fresh produce in supply chain management including logistics, distribution and production operations, grower relations, finance, and general management. Expertise in structuring and refining complex multifunctional organizations and in transferring hands-on experience to advisory and interim situations.

Selected Accomplishments

Corporate Restructuring and Turnaround
Revitalized companies by developing and executing corporate strategies in turnaround and restructuring environments. Served companies in a variety of industries in the roles of CEO, Managing Director, and member of the Board of Directors.

Strategic Innovation
Introduced Fair Trade fresh produce into North America as CEO of a pioneering organic food company. Started and developed Fair Trade mango program in Haiti to provide higher income to small farmers. Worked with Fair Trade conventional and organic mango growers from Mexico and Peru, for the U.S. market. Worked with South African Fair Trade organic grape growers and with Moroccan Fair Trade citrus growers for the U.S. market.

Logistics and Distribution
Spearheaded the implementation of containerized transport and distribution of banana imports into North America for a multi-national company, including negotiations to procure ships, container equipment, and port facilities. Built and staffed a commercial cargo operation contributing over $30 million per year through enhanced fleet and equipment utilization for outside business.

Production Operations
Led industry restructuring efforts in the Caribbean Windward Islands to improve banana quality and reduce costs of production resulting in increased returns to 25,000 growers in four countries. Implemented a certified premium grower program and restructured port operations.