Jan 29, 2022

Sun World names Jennifer Petersen as executive VP and chief science officer

Bakersfield, California-based Sun World International LLC has appointed Jennifer Petersen as executive vice president and chief science officer, CEO & President David Marguleas announced recently.

In this new leadership position, she will oversee all activities, staff and partnerships pertaining to breeding, variety development, genetics and related technologies. The company develops premium varieties of table grapes and stone fruits. Petersen will be instrumental in expanding Sun World’s genetics portfolio as it seeks to bring new and improved fresh fruit to consumers worldwide, Marguleas said in a news release.

“Jennifer adds immeasurable knowledge and depth to our research endeavors and, importantly, to our management team. This decision is transformational for our company as we deliver on our mission to bring premium table grape and stone fruit varieties to growers and to delight consumers, ” Marguleas said.

Petersen has a strong background in agricultural research, most notably, genetics and plant biology. She received her B.S. in Horticulture from Oregon State and a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of California at Davis.

Petersen recently directed a Global Accelerated Genetics team at Bayer Crop Science, a world-leading life sciences company, and in that capacity was an integral part of Bayer’s global research leadership team including crop production research and development, breeding technologies and regional breeding, testing and operations.

“Sun World enjoys an undisputed reputation as a leading source of produce innovation and is at a pivotal place in its growth trajectory. I look forward to building on that legacy while working with our talented Sun World research team,” Petersen said.

Sun World’s varietal development program is integral to Sun World and its global network of 1800+ licensed growers and marketers’ success. To date, Sun World’s variety development department has launched many successful varieties marketed under grape varietal brands and stone fruit varietal brands.

Sun World International is a global variety development and licensing business. Sun World’s mission is to drive the growth of fruit breeding, varietal development, and licensing. The California-based company has a network of licensed growers and marketers and maintains offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, Israel, North Africa, and South Africa.

More information about Sun World International is available here.