Chiquita Tweaks Fresh Express Management

NEW YORK - Jul 15/05 - SNS -- Chiquita Brands International, Inc. made a series of senior management changes at newly acquired Fresh Express.

Tanios E. Viviani was named the new president of Fresh Express. He assumes the position formerly held by Mark Drever, who will move to Chiquita to participate in the Chiquita Management Committee, assisting in the transition and helping to guide the overall strategic direction for value-added produce.

Brian McLaughlin will continue as chief financial officer of Fresh Express. Scott Komar, executive vice president, will assume additional responsibilities for the operations group.

Rich Berry, vice president, business management, Jim Gallagher, senior vice president of sales, and Jeff Lemmon, also vice president, business management, will continue and expand their sales, marketing and business management responsibilities. Jim Lugg will continue to lead the TransFRESH business as president.

John Johnston, vice president, emerging business, who currently manages the fresh-cut fruit operations at Fresh Express, will assume increased responsibilities for leading and integrating the fresh-cut fruit operations of both organizations under the Chiquita brand name.

Chiquita also announced that Susan Ajeska and Margaret Scattini, executive vice presidents for operations/food safety and marketing/business management, respectively, have voluntarily decided to stop full-time employment but will continue to serve the company as part-time advisors.