Sara Oliver named ‘chief people officer’ at Grimmway Farms

Grimmway Farms recently named Sara Oliver as its chief people officer, aka CPO, a new position within the company’s executive leadership team.

In the role, Oliver will be responsible for leading all aspects of human resources strategy and operations, and will oversee development of the company’s annual environmental, social and governance (ESG) report, according to a news release from the company.

Bakersfield, California-based Grimmway, which markets itself as the largest carrot producer in the world and largest organic vegetable producer in the U.S., sells carrots and over 65 varieties of organic vegetables year-round. The company operates in seven states with a workforce of more than 7,000 employees, according to the release.

Oliver will continue to direct all areas of human resources for the company, focused on expanding opportunities for employees within the organization, recruiting and retaining exceptional talent, enabling a flexible and diverse workforce, and empowering a culture of growth, according to the news release. She will also oversee government and public affairs, steering the direction for Grimmway’s diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives.

“Sara is a respected and empathetic leader, committed to fostering positive and supportive employee experiences,” Grimmway President and CEO Jeff Huckaby said in the news release. “She has led our team through times of expansion and growth, and times of swift organizational change. This promotion recognizes her successful career at Grimmway as well as our commitment to our most critical resource – our employees.”

Oliver has worked for the company for more than 25 years and has served as Vice President of Human Resources since 2017.

“I’m excited and gratified for the opportunity to work strategically with senior leadership and the board of directors on human capital initiatives, including our ESG performance reporting,” Oliver said in the news release. “Our employees are the heart and soul of Grimmway Farms. I’m dedicated to developing talent to enhance our organizational performance while driving an inclusive and diverse culture that celebrates our history as a company.”

Oliver is a graduate of the University of California, Davis where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics, according to the news release. She also holds a human resources credential from the Society for Human Resources Management and has served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations.