Jan 16, 2023

Duda names new president

Duda Farm Fresh Foods has promoted Mark Bassetti as its new president.

Bassetti, the company’s former chief operating officer and senior vice president, officially began his new role on Jan. 1.

“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,” Barton Weeks, Duda’s chief operating officer, said in a news release. “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. I am pleased that Mark emerged as the right candidate for the job.”

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 Duda was previously president of Duda Farm Fresh Foods before being selected as CEO-elect by Duda’s board of directors in June 2022 as part of a succession process to prepare for the December retirement of former CEO David J. Duda.

Sammy Duda’s appointment to CEO-elect led to a leadership transition period from June through January for the role of CEO. It also started an internal and external search for suitable candidates to fill Sammy Duda’s previous subsidiary leadership role, according to the release.

Weeks, who served as the interim leader for Duda Farm Fresh Foods and guided the search for suitable candidates, said Mark’s selection followed serious deliberation and consideration of several options and multiple candidates.

“I am equally humbled and excited to step into this role. 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,” Bassetti said in the release.

As CEO, Sammy Duda is looking forward to working with Mark along with the rest of Duda’s subsidiary leaders. “I look forward to leading a well-rounded company built on teamwork, trust, and humility,” he said in the release. “Together, we can each play our part in continuing the legacy of success at DUDA.”

As a wholly owned subsidiary, Duda Farm Fresh Foods is a leading grower of fresh vegetables, including celery, lettuce and leafy greens, sweet corn and radishes, as well as citrus.