A new CEO will join Darling Group’s Brisbane operation, JH Leavy & Co., from 31 March 2023.
Jacob Darling, Current COO of Darling Group’s New Zealand avocado supply and international sales and marketing, will replace outgoing J.H. Leavy & Co. CEO, Ben Bartlett.
The change in personnel is bittersweet for the company with Bartlett stepping away from the business to focus on his health after battling CKD (chronic kidney disease) for over a decade.
Darling says Bartlett was instrumental in the development of Darling Group’s Australian business, starting out with them at Global Fresh Australia managing the sales and marketing of New Zealand avocados and kiwifruit.
“When Darling Group acquired J.H. Leavy & Co. in 2016, Ben took the helm and managed a successful transaction which has provided us a more significant platform to grow from today.
“His attention to detail and high-performance standards have allowed us to continue with the success we acquired and diversify the business to achieve further growth.”
In the lead up to the end of March, Bartlett is transitioning Darling into the Australian team.
Darling’s produce career began in the USA with Tom Lange and Co. He then returned to the Darling family business in 2016 taking up a role with J.H. Leavy & Co. before coming back to New Zealand in 2017 to lead Darling Group’s Sales and Marketing team. Since then, he has driven the development of Darling Group’s international trade and 12 Month supply strategy, growing this into an $35m business with goals to increase this to $100m over the next five years.
Darling became COO of Darling Group in 2022 where he took on oversight of Darling Group’s New Zealand avocado supply and packing business, Just Avocados, while also still maintaining an active involvement in international sales and marketing.
Jacob says that it is the right time for him to be immersed in J.H. Leavy & Co. as Darling Group plans to hub their international sales from Australia.