Retirement of Robert Thurber and Appointment of Emanuel Lazopoulos Signal Fresh Direction for Leading Produce Company

Church Brothers Farms, a prominent produce company based in Salinas, California, is set to begin a new phase of leadership with the retirement of longtime Board of Directors member Robert Thurber and the appointment of produce industry veteran Emanuel Lazopoulos.

The shift, which was announced on February 21, 2025, signals a strategic move for the company as it continues to focus on innovation and growth in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Thurber departs after 15 years of service, and Lazopoulos brings fresh insights shaped by a wide-ranging career in agriculture.

Thurber’s departure marks the end of an influential tenure that included helping to develop a culture of performance and collaboration at Church Brothers Farms.

Throughout his 15 years, he played a pivotal role in guiding the company’s leadership, drawing from his own background as Vice President of Purchasing at Sysco Corporation and his experience serving on the board of Tyson Foods, Inc.

Though his mentorship will be missed, many at the company believe the foundation he helped build will continue to steer Church Brothers Farms in a positive direction.

“For the past 15 years, we counted on Robert for his feedback and knowledge, and he helped us become a better company every day. Through good years and tough times, we all collaborated as a team to make the best possible decisions for the company.”

Steve Church, Chairman of the Board

This board transition arrives at a moment when many produce companies are reexamining their strategies to stay competitive.

These leadership adjustments are expected to bolster Church Brothers Farms’ long-term planning and reinforce the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality products to its clients.

Thurber’s retirement, while bittersweet for his colleagues, is widely seen as an opportunity for fresh perspectives, particularly from a new board member with industry connections and decades of firsthand experience.

Stepping into this role, Lazopoulos brings a track record that spans several notable companies and organizations within the produce industry.

He most prominently served as Senior Vice President for Del Monte Fresh Produce, leading the North America team for more than 17 years.

Lazopoulos has been a visible figure in industry associations, sitting on multiple boards, including the Produce for Better Health Foundation, the Produce Marketing Association, and the United Fresh Start Foundation.

In 2020, the United Fresh Produce Association honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, reflecting his significant contributions to the field.

The new board member has expressed his enthusiasm for joining Church Brothers Farms, emphasizing both respect for the company’s legacy and optimism for its future.

“I was both thrilled and humbled to accept a position on the Church Brothers Farms Board of Directors. I’ve long admired the family and the dynamic company they’ve built and am looking forward to bringing my perspective to the team.”

Emanuel Lazopoulos, Board of Directors, Church Brothers Farms

His comment underscores the collaborative spirit the company aims to foster, as it weaves his expertise into its existing framework.

In addition to praising Thurber’s influence, Church Brothers Farms leadership is equally upbeat about the potential benefits of having Lazopoulos on board.

“With his years of experience in the produce industry, strong market knowledge, and fresh viewpoint, Emanuel is going to be a huge asset to Church Brothers as we keep growing and evolving. I’m looking forward to his input on keeping us positioned for long-term success.”

Brian Church, Chief Executive Officer, Church Brothers Farms

Although this leadership change closes the chapter on Thurber’s 15-year tenure, it opens the door to new strategies for handling the challenges and opportunities that come with an ever-shifting market.

By inviting someone with Lazopoulos’s breadth of experience to influence decision-making at the board level, Church Brothers Farms demonstrates its commitment to building on past accomplishments while venturing into new territory.