Alico COO resigns

FORT MYERS — Kenneth Smith, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Alico, has stepped down and the company says it doesn't plan to replace him.

Alico did not specify the reasons for Smith's departure except to say he plans to pursue undisclosed personal and professional opportunities. Alico CEO Clay Wilson will now take over Smith's responsibilities, the company says.

“On behalf of the board and the entire Alico team, I want to thank Ken for his contributions to the growth of Alico, particularly in the identification and execution of opportunities for the company's cattle business,” Wilson says in a statement.

Alico is an agriculture company based in Fort Myers. In addition to citrus operations, Alico is currently involved in cattle ranching, water management, mining and other natural resources on approximately 121,000 acres in 12 Florida counties (Alachua, Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Martin, Osceola and Polk). It also owns mineral rights on 90,000 acres.