DARYL WHITTAKER JOHNSTON (772) 563-7588 dwjohnston2@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/daryl-johnston-892aa15High-caliber and skilled Senior Sales Executive generating sustainable and profitable growth in fresh produce, frozen processing, and the CPG industry. Proficient and proven at managing, developing, and directing top performing sales teams. Strong communicator focused on bottom line profitability. A consummate leader with successful revenue growth in every role and focused on delivering a value-added partnership with the customer.Key Skills: Executive team member, Strategic planning and execution, organizational development, team leadership, business development, innovative problem solver, unmatched work ethic, P&L control, account leadership, solid business ethics, cross-matrix leadership, goal oriented, change agent, open communicator.Professional Experience: 2022 – 2023 OKANAGAN SPECIALTY FRUITS; Summerland, BC Vice President Sales and New Business Development • Lead and provide strategic guidance for sales, marketing, and communications teams for GMO processed fresh apple business. • Developed new business development strategy to enter new market channels to further expand distribution and market share. • Responsible for product innovation and market development, identified 3 new items for production. • Member Senior Executive Team, providing oversight on profitable growth. • Developed, implemented, and updated new strategies and SOPs for development to match forecasted sales trajectory, growing 2022 sales 2X.2015 – 2021 TITAN FARMS, LLC; Ridge Spring, SC Vice president of Sales and Marketing • Recruited to hire, train and manage new sales team to handle all aspects of product sales for the second largest peach grower in North America. • Established new in-house sales team, replacing outside sales organization including sales, customer service, marketing, and logistics (11 personnel). • Executive Board Member responsible for strategic direction. • Achieved 25% growth in 2020 with increased marketing programs and contract business; resulted in highest EBITA in company history. • Created successful annual sales strategy to maximizing profit to the farm with peaches, broccoli, bell pepper, and eggplant. • New business with Costco US, Costco Canada, Metro Canada, Albertsons, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market among others. • Developed outside grower programs, increasing revenue and profitability.2015 – 2021 PALMETTO PROCESSING SOLUTIONS; Ridge Spring, SC. Division of Titan Farms, LLC Vice President of Sales and Marketing • Managed parallel with Titan Farms Fresh Sales, opening 2016. • Sister division for Titan Farms developed using downgraded and purchased product for frozen processing of IQF, block, puree product. • Achieved revenue growth from $0M to $23M in three years. • Developed USDA business exceeding 170 loads annually. • Established procurement program to expand production beyond peaches including strawberry, blueberry, and vegetables for puree and IQF/block. • Created joint venture programs to enhance revenue and utilize line time.2010 – 2014 SOUTHERN SPECIALTIES, INC.; Pompano Beach, FL Vice President Sales and Marketing • P&L accountability for all fresh product sales domestic and import for growers, shippers, and brokered specialty fruits and vegetables. • Re-organized and directed a 15-member sales team to profitable growth, exceeding revenue goals for three consecutive years. • Executive Team Member responsible for development and review of all company initiatives focused on EBITDA goals. • Directed the development of national accounts such as Sysco, Costco, Sam’s, US Foodservice, Meijer, HEB, Publix and Whole Foods. • Developed a structured commodity management program with sales to work seamlessly with procurement increasing efficiency levels by 30%.2010 – 2010 GREENLINE FOODS, INC.; Perrysburg, OH Vice President Sales and Marketing • Responsible for all sales and marketing functions for a $75M grower/shipper of green beans. • Maintained key national accounts including Sysco, US Foodservice, Walmart, Ahold, Supervalu and Kroger. • Implemented new standard operating procedures for both foodservice and retail divisions; resulted in an increase in sales of 15% with a 50% reduction in trade and marketing budget.2008 – 2009 B&W QUALITY GROWERS, INC.; Fellsmere, FL Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing • Responsible for sales, marketing, and logistics/Inventory for the largest North America watercress grower. • Restructured the sales and marketing department by hiring additional personnel and creating new positions to drive profitable sales; established new standard operating procedures for the department. • Grew sales of arugula by 25% and watercress by more than 20%.1998 – 2008 DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES, INC.; Charlotte, NC Director Alternative Channel and New Business, N.A. (2007 – 2008) • Newly created position responsible for directing Dole Fresh Fruit and Vegetable divisions in drug, mass, dollar, and convenience store formats. • Created and implemented a profitable alternative channel sales strategy. • Directed collaboration on new product development across all divisions. • Constructed tactical marketing and logistic programs for all channels. Director New Business and Strategy Development, N.A. (2005 – 2007) • Led a 15-person sales team for new business development with superior sales results for Dole Value Added Salads and Cut Vegetable Division. • Created and installed Canadian management team, directing all current and new business initiatives, achieving #1 national market. • Negotiated exclusive contracts with Target ($12M), A&P/Metro Canada ($36M), Military ($4.5M), Food Lion ($9M), Loblaw’s (3-yr, $108M). Director National Accounts (2003 – 2005) • Managed seven-person sales team focused on national accounts including Albertsons, Kroger, and Royal Ahold representing $239M annual revenue. • Negotiated primary supplier contracts with Supervalu, Kroger, and Ahold representing more than $230M in annual revenue. National Account Manager (2000 – 2003) • Directly managed corporate headquarters accounts including Royal Ahold, A&P, Supervalu, Military and Nash Finch, generating $92M in revenue. • Increased market share by 10% and dollar volume 15%. Middle Atlantic Region Sales Manager, Value Added Sales (1998 – 2000) • Managed national and local accounts and regional brokers in 7 states • Increased size of territory by 49% in 1999 and 62% through year 2000.1996 – 1998 PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.; Charlotte, NC Middle Atlantic Senior Business Development Manager (1997 – 1998) District Sales Manager (1996 – 1997)1990 – 1996 ERNEST & JULIO GALLO WINERY; Miami, FL Area Sales Manager (1995 – 1996) Field Marketing Manager (1993 – 1995) District Sales Manager (1990 – 1993) Education: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Bachelor of Arts, Economics, 1989 4-year Swimming Athletic Scholarship, ACC Champions; 1988, 1989 University of London 1988 Harvard Executive Agribusiness 2016 Associations: International Floral & Produce Association, Fresh-Cut Process Council Member 2023