EXECUTIVE CHANGES 1996-01-29 (2)

AG-New England Adds Post

Associated Grocers of New England has named Kurt Oesch director of produce, a new position.

He reports to Richard Ennis, executive vice president and treasurer. Oesch was produce manager for Associated Grocers, a position that will not be filled, according to a spokeswoman. Oesch has been with the retailer-owned wholesale food distribution center since 1981.

Kerr Forms Consulting Firm

SALINAS, Calif. -- Cynthia Kerr, former director of merchandising for Mann Packing, has formed a produce consulting firm, Kerr Consulting Group, based here.

"Within the produce industry, I'll be pursuing several areas of interest, including merchandising, logistics, environmental concerns and category management," Kerr told SN.

"It seemed like the timing was right," Kerr said of her decision to start her own firm. "Mann Packing has been so wonderfully supportive of me."

Kerr worked for Mann, also based here, for eight years before resigning to form the consultancy. Her most recent position at Mann was director of merchandising, which she assumed in 1994. A successor has not been named.

Kerr said she will retain her position as co-chair of the Produce Pallet Working Group.

State Group Names Thurlby

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The Washington State Fruit Commission has named B.J. Thurlby director of promotions for domestic and foreign marketing. He succeeds Sheryl Pace-Opfer, who left the commission to return to school. Thurlby reports to Ken Severn, president of the commission. Thurlby was an account manager for Gallo Winery's Northwest division.

He is responsible for developing promotions in the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and other foreign markets.

The Washington State Fruit Commission handles promotion and advertising for the state's sweet cherries, Bartlett pears, peaches, apricots and other soft fruits.