Driscoll's Announces Tom O'Brien as newest Senior Executive Post

WATSONVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Driscoll’s, the world’s largest distributor of fresh berries has announced the appointment of Tom O’Brien to the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Governance and External Engagement and General Counsel. Mr. O’Brien will join Driscoll’s Global Leadership Team reporting to Kevin Murphy, President and COO.

“I am very excited to have Tom join Driscoll’s in this new capacity. He is more than qualified for the new post, having worked with us as outside legal counsel for more than a decade,” said Murphy. “His experience in the agricultural industry, extensive background, including particular strength in the regulatory and compliance area, and strong industry relationships will be of prime importance as we strive to become the world’s foremost producer of fresh berries,” he continued.

O’Brien will work closely with senior management as he oversees and endeavors to integrate such areas as contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, government affairs, corporate governance and the enforcement of the company’s intellectual property. “As Driscoll’s expands and pursues its vision of becoming the world’s berry company, our environment is becoming ever more complex” said Murphy. “The expansion into more countries requires us to increase our focus on an ever-growing body of laws, governance, compliance and regulations. Working with Tom, we are confident that we will achieve our goal to not only meet these requirements but do it in a way that is consistent with Driscoll’s Values and Mission.”

Most recently, O’Brien was the Principal in his private practice, which primarily represented food companies, trade associations and promotion boards. He was PMA’s legislative representative in Washington, DC, and also worked on matters such as food safety, organics, domestic and foreign plant pest regulation, trade and labeling. O’Brien was a senior official at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and an advisor to California Governor Gray Davis.

About Driscoll’s Berries

Driscoll’s is the world’s largest distributor of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. It is a fourth-generation, family owned and operated company and uses only natural breeding methods to create plant varieties to produce ONLY THE FINEST BERRIES™. Their mission is to continually delight berry consumers. Driscoll’s conventional and organic strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are grown by independent farmers around the globe and are available year round. For more information visit www.driscolls.com or follow Driscoll’s on Facebook and Twitter @Driscollsberry.