Central Florida-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a leading grower of fresh vegetables and citrus, has announced Mark Bassetti, former Chief Operating Officer and Senior VP of the company, as its new president.
Mark Bassetti
Bassetti’s promotion follows the appointment of Samuel “Sammy” Duda as the new CEO of DUDA, the parent company of Duda Farm Fresh Foods. Sammy previously served as the President of Duda Farm Fresh Foods before being selected as CEO-elect by the DUDA Board of Directors in June 2022 as part of a succession process to prepare for the December retirement of former CEO David J. Duda
“Mark brings 31 years of experience to the role and is incredibly qualified, with both industry knowledge and the leadership traits necessary to lead Duda Farm Fresh Foods successfully,” says Barton Weeks, DUDA’s Chief Operating Officer. “Because of the unique demands of the fresh produce business and our business model, Mark was determined to be the most qualified candidate to fill this position.”
Sammy’s appointment to CEO-elect led to a leadership transition period from June through January for the role of CEO and began an internal and external search for suitable candidates to fill Sammy’s previous subsidiary leadership role. According to Weeks, who served as the interim leader for Duda Farm Fresh Foods and guided the search for suitable candidates, Bassetti’s selection followed serious deliberation and consideration of several options and multiple candidates.
“I am equally humbled and excited to step into this role,” says Bassetti, who officially began his new role on January 1. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead Duda Farm Fresh Foods and, working with my colleagues, continue our mission of delivering quality farm fresh products to consumers and their families across the country.”