Wal-Mart executive joins Lipman

IMMOKALEE — Tomato giant Lipman has named former Wal-Mart executive John Amaya as chief development officer.

Privately held Lipman is the largest open-field tomato grower in North America and Amaya will manage the company's international supply chain, assist with acquisitions and develop market strategies for the company's vegetable operations.

In addition to Wal-Mart, Amaya has served in management and financial roles at Dole, Sara Lee, Abbott Laboratories and Deloitte. “We are fortunate to have someone of John's caliber to fulfill this role,” says Kent Shoemaker, CEO of Lipman, in a statement. “His wealth of experience in international supply, along with his understanding of our industry, will assist us in continuing our growth strategy.”

Born in Bogota, Colombia, Amaya was raised in the United States. He graduated from Northern Illinois University and earned his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He will be based at Lipman's headquarters in Immokalee.