O’Connor leaving USPB

Tim O’Connor, president and CEO of the United States Potato Board (USPB), will be leaving the organization to lead Avocados from Mexico (AFM).

AFM is a new marketing agency dedicated to the Mexican avocado industry. AFM is being jointly created by the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association and the Mexican Avocado Producers and Packers.

O’Connor’s last day at USPB will be March 31. Todd Michael, immediate past chairman of the USPB, has been appointed chairman of the search committee.

In an email announcing his departure O’Connor wrote: My time at USPB has been deeply rewarding. I’m proud of what we’ve done together. And I’m confident in what lies ahead for you to do without me. The USPB has never been better staffed and situated for success than it is now.”

O’Connor said that the position with AFM was a fantastic opportunity to build a new organization from the ashes up.

“I’m charged with building a world class marketing organization in a hot commodity that has tremendous growth trajectory and significant budgets,” O’Connor said. “This opportunity with AFM, at this stage in my career is more exciting. It’s just exhilarating.”

O’Connor will begin his new position on April 1 in Denver, Colo.

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