IFPA adds vice president of global industry relations

Jessica Keller has joined International Fresh Produce Association as vice president of global industry relations.

Keller is the first to serve in this role, which was created to align with IFPA’s core commitment to grow member value globally, according to a news release. She will direct and support the association’s global representatives and country councils and committees and lead the implementation of the association’s global portfolio.

“Jessica brings a deep knowledge of the global produce and floral supply chain along with years of experience building relationships with global companies,” IFPA Chief Membership Officer Miriam Wolk said in the release. “She has had an incredibly successful career that has been defined by her leadership, vision and strategic acumen. She will be a fantastic resource and advocate for our global membership, and I look forward to the impact she will have on IFPA, members and volunteers, and the industry as a whole.”

Keller's most recent role was as chief operating officer at Food Hall Co. where she transformed the company through a strategic reorganization, the release said. Before that she spent 16 years at Whole Foods Market where she served as regional vice president of the southwest region. In addition to overseeing successful launches of new stores and driving over $1 billion in annual sales across her region, Keller also created a collaborative culture and mentored regional leadership teams, according to the release.

“I’m thrilled to be joining IFPA and feel deeply aligned with the association’s mission and purpose which is increasing the consumption of fresh produce and flowers globally,” Keller said in the release. “Our team of global representatives and I will be focused on continuing to have a positive impact and strong growth within our global produce and floral markets.”

Keller holds a bachelor's degree in business with a minor in Latin American studies. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is proficient in Portuguese; her language skills allowed her to navigate the complexities of global operations and sourcing and will contribute to her ability to communicate IFPA value across the global supply chain, the release said.