Driscoll’s has named Wadih J. Khayat as its new chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares its next long-term growth phase in the United States.
The appointment was announced from the company’s global headquarters in Watsonville, California, with Khayat set to oversee finance, technology and global strategy across the business.
Khayat joins from The Coca-Cola Company, where he spent more than two decades in senior finance roles. Most recently, he served as CFO of Coca-Cola’s Europe business, managing operations across 38 countries. His previous roles also included regional and global finance leadership positions spanning Asia-Pacific and global ventures.
The move comes at a key moment for Driscoll’s, as the fresh berry supplier continues to scale its global network of independent growers and invest in product development. The company works with more than 900 growers across over 20 countries, supplying berries to retail markets worldwide.
Bringing in a finance leader with deep international experience suggests a sharper focus on capital discipline and long-term investment planning. For retailers, that matters. Berry categories remain one of the most dynamic areas in fresh produce, but also one of the most sensitive to cost pressure, logistics, and seasonal volatility.
Khayat will work closely with regional teams and grower partners, with a remit that goes beyond finance into broader strategic execution. That includes aligning investment decisions with supply stability and demand across key markets.
His appointment also reflects a wider pattern of leadership movement across US Fresh Produce, FMCG, where senior executives from large-scale beverage and packaged goods companies are increasingly moving into fresh and perishable categories. The shift highlights how operational complexity in fresh supply chains is now demanding the same level of financial oversight seen in global consumer goods.
For Driscoll’s, the timing is clear. The company is preparing to roll out its next long-term strategy, and financial leadership will play a central role in how it expands its grower base, manages costs, and maintains consistent supply to retail partners.
Khayat will be based in California and reports directly to CEO Soren Bjorn.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on an official company announcement from Driscoll’s. Content has been reviewed and edited for clarity, relevance, and alignment with retail and FMCG industry context.
