SunOpta Inc. announced the planned retirement of Joseph D. Ennen. After five years of dedicated service, Mr. Ennen will retire from SunOpta as its Chief Executive Officer. The Board has appointed Brian W. Kocher as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2, 2024.

In conjunction with this appointment, Mr. Kocher will also become a member of the Board. Mr. Kocher brings a wealth of experience in manufacturing intensive businesses in complex, multi-national organizations and has a strong track record of driving growth and productivity improvements. The Board is confident in Mr. Kocher?s ability to lead SunOpta through its next phase of growth and his experience expanding margins and driving operational productivity will be incredibly valuable to the business.

To ensure a seamless transition, which the Board believes is in the best interests of all stakeholders, Mr. Ennen will continue as an advisor to the Board and Mr. Kocher until April 1, 2024. Brian W. Kocher served as President, Chief Executive Officer of Calavo Growers Inc., from January 2022 to February 2023. Before joining Calavo, Mr. Kocher was President and Chief Executive Officer of Castellini Group of Companies, a nationwide produce distribution and supply chain services organization, from May 2015 to January 2022.

Prior to Castellini, Mr. Kocher spent ten years at Chiquita Brands International Inc., including as Interim Chief Executive Officer, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, SVP and Chief Financial Officer, President of Europe, President of North America, and Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Kocher graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) degree.