Last updated on December 7th, 2020
Produce Alliance has named Stephanie Fyle as its chief procurement officer. She is stepping into the shoes of her father, Mike Williams, who recently retired after holding the position for 26 years.
Fyle began preparing for this role early in life. After graduating from University of West Georgia with a degree in psychology, followed by earning a master’s degree in organizational development from the University of South Carolina, she joined Produce Alliance and, after beginning her rotations through all departments, including accounting, spent 17 years in the Produce Alliance procurement department.
Fyle became a well-known industry expert and has served as the primary voice of the widely renowned Produce Alliance Market Report. She was the natural choice to be successor to the leadership of the procurement department as her father steps down from that role, the company says. Looking ahead, Fyle said she is excited about the many changes that are happening at Produce Alliance. The company has positioned itself for significant future growth with near term plans to double its purchasing power by leveraging its recent relationship with Buyers Edge Platform, Produce Alliance’s new strategic partner.
“I just feel very fortunate to have lived this life deeply rooted in the produce industry and after being part of all the ups and downs, the wins and losses of Produce Alliance for so many years, and having the opportunity be mentored by the best; George Melshenker, Joe Collier, Rob Feldgreber and of course my father, Mike Williams,” Fyle said. “It’s so exciting to have this chance to use all I have learned to work with my very talented procurement team as we together pursue the next chapter of successes.”
Produce Alliance is based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and has offices in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville and in the growing region of the Salinas Valley in California. It represents its customers to the grower/shipper community, providing access to the highest quality fresh produce under contracts which assure supply while managing cost and risk. The company specializes in providing fresh produce procurement and distribution services to food service clients across North America, the Caribbean and beyond. Produce Alliance manages an alliance of more than 50 independently-owned specialty distributors of fresh products. Each distributor is carefully selected and commits to full compliance with the company’s audited distribution, purchasing and category management programs designed for client success.
