Potandon Produce Names David Lawrence as CEO, Succeeding Mel Davenport After Three Decades of Leadership

Potandon Produce, one of the largest providers of fresh potatoes in North America and global leader within the world’s top three food crops, has announced that Mel Davenport, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, has retired after 30+ years of service marked by the launch of Klondike Goldust™ and Klondike Rose™ potatoes and the CarbSmart™ line. Succeed him as CEO was David Lawrence, former CEO of Fresh Direct, effective from 20th December. 

Over the past nearly three decades, Davenport has helped guide the company through significant growth and innovation in the fresh produce market. Under his leadership, Potandon strengthened its market position, continued the expansion of its Green Giant™ Fresh products, expanded its product offerings, and fostered a culture of excellence and sustainability. 

Jeff Sholl, founder and Managing Member of Potandon:

"Mel’s well-deserved retirement marks the culmination of a career. As a key member of Potandon’s senior management team, Mel has been a cornerstone of our business since its inception and his leadership has been pivotal to the company's position today."

"As we celebrate Mel’s contributions, we also look forward to an exciting new chapter under the leadership of David Lawrence, whose vision and expertise will guide Potandon toward continued growth and success."

Lawrence brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership in the fresh food and logistics industries. During his tenure at Fresh Direct, Lawrence spearheaded initiatives that enhanced customer experience, streamlined operations, and drove significant business growth. His deep understanding of consumer needs and his commitment to innovation align seamlessly with Potandon’s vision for the future.

Prior to that, Lawrence served as the President of Taylor Farms Northwest, LLC, CEO of National Pecan, LLC, and President of C.M. Holtzinger Fruit Company. With a track record of driving growth, operational excellence, and innovation, Lawrence is well-positioned to lead Potandon Produce into its next chapter.

Lawrence, CEO of Potandon Produce:

"I am looking forward to joining Potandon Produce and building upon the strong foundation established by Mel and the team."

"At a time when consumers are more focused on functional foods, health and nutrition than ever, I’m proud to join a company that understands these evolving needs and is committed to delivering unique varieties and such a huge consumer footprint for providing nutritious, high-quality produce to meet them."

Potandon Produce is an ag-tech and food-tech leader, and one of the largest providers of fresh table stock potatoes in the nation and also a leading provider of fresh onions. Its product line includes Minute Mashers™, ONE STEP… DONE!™, and classic russet, yellow, red, and white potatoes. 

The company’s unique vertical integration has led to a state-of-the-art variety development program for unique potato varieties, conventional and sweet onions, and many others within the world’s top 3 food crops, and that looks ten years down the road to develop potatoes for future shoppers based on extensive consumer research.