Salquist Resigns From Calgene
lquist has resigned as chairman and chief executive officer of Calgene here. He will continue to serve as a director and consultant for the company. Larry Kunimoto, currently vice president for strategic planning and business development at Calgene, will serve as acting CEO while the company conducts a formal search for a replacement, according to the company.
Salquist's resignation came at the same time that Monsanto Co., St. Louis, announced its intention to increase its equity stake in Calgene to 54.6%, up from 49.9%.
That will result in a shift of Calgene's board of directors. When the deal closes, the board will consist of four independent directors, three of whom are nominated by Calgene and one nominated by Monsanto. The rest of the board will consist of Calgene's CEO and four Monsanto nominees, according to Calgene.
A company statement said Calgene needed an influx of working capital to "realize the full potential" of its opportunities.
Calgene, manufacturer of the first bioengineered tomato, has struggled to make a profit on its fresh produce business. Monsanto, a major agricultural biotechnology firm, purchased its original stake in Calgene last year.
Delchamps Appoints Bates
MOBILE, Ala. -- Delchamps here has named Daniel Bates director of produce marketing. He replaces Lou Kertesz, who left the company.
Bates was most recently director of produce and floral for Smitty's Super Valu in Phoenix. Smitty's merged earlier this year with Smith's Food & Drug Centers, Salt Lake City.
He reports to Tom Robbins, senior vice president of marketing for Delchamps.
Vons Names Produce Director
ARCADIA, Calif. -- The Vons Cos. here has named Don Ikemoto director of produce. He replaces William "Pat" DeFriese, who was recently named director of Vons' new home meal replacement division. Ikemoto is responsible for the procurement, merchandising and sales of produce for Vons. A 23-year veteran of the company, Ikemoto reports to Dick Spezzano, vice president of produce and floral.
