Retail produce industry veteran Michael Agostini is retiring from Wal-Mart Stores at the end of May.
Agostini, senior category director for produce at Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart, is leaving after 15 years with the company, according to a news release. Previous to Wal-Mart, the 40-year industry veteran worked for Eagle Food Stores, Harris Teeter, Food Lion and Agribuys.com. He has served in leadership roles as a board and committee member with the Produce for Better Health Foundation, Produce Traceability Initiative and the Produce Marketing Association, according to the release.
“I've been so blessed to be a part of this industry,” Agostini said in the release. “The things I've been able to do, the places I've gone, and most importantly, the people I've met — it's a remarkable business.”
He called his time at Wal-Mart the capstone of his career.
“It's been a wild and fun ride to be a part of the significant growth we were able to achieve here,” Agostini said in the release. “I will treasure it forever.”
Looking forward to time with friends and family, Agostini and his wife Tracey plan to remain in Northwest Arkansas, he said.
“I've already bought my granddaughter two new fishing poles. We're going fishing!”