Chief Financial Officer Wadih J. Khayat Appointed at Driscoll’s
Driscoll’s, widely recognized as the world’s leading fresh berry company, has announced the appointment of Wadih J. Khayat as its new Chief Financial Officer, marking a significant leadership addition at a pivotal stage in the company’s growth journey. In this role, Khayat will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Soren Bjorn and assume responsibility for overseeing the company’s global finance operations, technology initiatives, and strategic planning functions.
Khayat’s appointment comes as Driscoll’s continues to strengthen its position in the global fresh produce market while preparing for the next phase of its long-term strategic roadmap. As CFO, he will collaborate closely with regional and functional leadership teams across the organization to ensure disciplined capital allocation, operational efficiency, and sustained value creation. His role will be instrumental in supporting the company’s extensive global network of independent growers, helping to align financial strategies with long-term agricultural and business sustainability goals.
A seasoned financial leader, Khayat brings with him a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of driving transformational change across complex, large-scale organizations. Prior to joining Driscoll’s, he spent more than two decades with The Coca-Cola Company, where he held several high-profile leadership positions and played a key role in shaping the company’s financial strategy across multiple regions.
Most recently, Khayat served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Coca-Cola’s Europe business unit. In this capacity, he oversaw financial operations spanning 38 countries, managing diverse markets and navigating varying economic conditions. His leadership in this role demonstrated his ability to deliver consistent results while balancing growth objectives with financial discipline.
Earlier in his career at Coca-Cola, Khayat held the position of CFO for the Asia Pacific Group, where he was responsible for financial management across one of the company’s most dynamic and rapidly growing regions. He also served as CFO and Head of Strategy for Coca-Cola Global Ventures, a division focused on innovation and emerging business opportunities, at the company’s global headquarters in Atlanta. These roles allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of global markets, strategic investment, and business transformation.
Khayat began his professional journey in audit at Ernst & Young, where he built a strong foundation in financial reporting, compliance, and risk management—skills that have underpinned his success throughout his career.
Commenting on the appointment, CEO Soren Bjorn highlighted the importance of Khayat’s leadership as the company looks ahead to its future growth. Bjorn noted that Khayat joins Driscoll’s at a critical juncture, as the organization prepares to launch its next long-term strategic plan. He emphasized that Khayat’s deep expertise in financial strategy, disciplined approach to execution, and people-focused leadership style will help reinforce the company’s financial foundation while enabling its global teams to thrive.
Bjorn also underscored the value of having a leader who can effectively integrate financial, technological, and strategic priorities, particularly in an industry that relies heavily on coordination across supply chains, agricultural production, and international markets. With Khayat at the helm of finance, Driscoll’s aims to further enhance its ability to invest wisely, manage risks, and capitalize on growth opportunities in the evolving fresh food sector.
For his part, Khayat expressed enthusiasm about joining a company with a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation, and strong relationships with growers. He pointed to Driscoll’s century-long heritage as a key factor that attracted him to the role, noting the company’s commitment to producing exceptional berries and maintaining trusted partnerships with independent growers around the world.
Khayat also highlighted the strength of the Driscoll’s brand, which has earned global recognition and consumer trust over many years. He remarked on the unique structure of the company’s network, which relies on close collaboration between growers, employees, and partners to deliver fresh berries to consumers on a daily basis. This interconnected system, he noted, represents both a responsibility and an opportunity to drive continued success.
Looking ahead, Khayat expressed optimism about the company’s future and his role in shaping it. He indicated that he is eager to contribute to Driscoll’s ongoing evolution, leveraging his experience to support innovation, enhance financial performance, and strengthen the company’s global operations.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Khayat brings a rich international background to his new role. Born in Lebanon and educated in France, he is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, reflecting a multicultural perspective that aligns well with Driscoll’s global footprint. His diverse experiences across different regions and cultures are expected to further enrich the company’s leadership team and support its international growth ambitions.
Following his relocation from Ireland, Khayat is now based at Driscoll’s global headquarters in Watsonville, California, where he will work closely with executive leadership and teams across the organization. His presence at the headquarters is expected to facilitate collaboration and ensure alignment on strategic priorities as the company continues to expand its reach and impact.
The appointment of Wadih J. Khayat as Chief Financial Officer underscores Driscoll’s commitment to strengthening its leadership bench and positioning itself for sustained long-term success. With a combination of deep financial expertise, global experience, and a strategic mindset, Khayat is well positioned to help guide the company through its next chapter, supporting both its business objectives and its broader mission to deliver high-quality fresh berries to consumers worldwide.
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