Driscoll’s has announced the retirement of Tom O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources & General Counsel, marking the end of a transformative era for both the company and the broader produce industry. O’Brien, a respected leader with a career spanning more than 30 years, will step down from his leadership role early in the year. His tenure has been characterized by his commitment to innovation, advocacy, and the elevation of legal and human resource functions within the fresh produce sector.
O’Brien’s connection with Driscoll’s began nearly 25 years ago when he first represented the company as an attorney based in Washington, D.C. His legal expertise and deep understanding of agricultural policy made him a valuable ally in navigating regulatory landscapes. In 2014, he officially joined Driscoll’s as the company’s first General Counsel, a position that steadily expanded over the years to include oversight of Global Human Resources and Public Affairs. His influence has left an indelible mark on the company’s operations and culture.
“Tom has been a friend, colleague, and partner for over two decades. We have navigated many issues together—challenges and opportunities that continually arise in our fresh berry business,” said J. Miles Reiter, Executive Chairman of the Board for Driscoll’s. “He is remarkably adept at seeing around the corner and articulating concepts in ways that drive clarity. While we are fully aligned on core values and goals, Tom is also the person with whom I most enjoy a healthy disagreement—something we both expect to continue to value highly.”
A Career Rooted in Agriculture and Policy
Before joining Driscoll’s, O’Brien had already established himself as a key figure at the intersection of law, policy, and agriculture. His career began in the early 1990s, where he worked on agricultural policy issues that would shape the industry for decades to come. His extensive work included contributions to the development of the first federal organic standards, the passage of significant food safety legislation, and efforts to address immigration reform—an issue that remains central to agricultural labor policy today.
From 1993 to 1999, O’Brien served as a political appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, playing a crucial role in shaping national agricultural policies. His policy work extended to various plant pests and quarantine issues, ensuring that the country’s agricultural sector remained both competitive and compliant with evolving regulations. Following his tenure in federal government, O’Brien transitioned to state-level policymaking, serving as a policy advisor to California Governor Gray Davis in the Governor’s Washington, D.C. office.
After his government service, O’Brien entered private practice in Washington, where he represented key agricultural organizations, including the Produce Marketing Association, California nurseries and dairies, the promotion boards for mangos and avocados, and, notably, Driscoll’s. His broad expertise across multiple agricultural sectors positioned him as a trusted advocate and strategist in the industry.
A Leader in Collaboration and Strategic Vision
Throughout his career, O’Brien has been recognized for his ability to bring people together to solve complex challenges. His leadership style is marked by intelligence, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to partnership—qualities that have earned him admiration from colleagues and industry leaders alike.
Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, praised O’Brien’s contributions: “Tom’s career has been a testament to the power of collaboration and thoughtful leadership in agriculture. He exemplifies the qualities of exceptional leadership: intelligence, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to partnership. His work has not only strengthened Driscoll’s but also elevated the entire produce industry. For the 25 years I’ve known him, I have valued his counsel and insight on complex challenges, but most of all, I have cherished his steadfast friendship.”
As General Counsel and later as Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources, O’Brien played a pivotal role in ensuring that Driscoll’s maintained high ethical and operational standards. He worked diligently to align legal, HR, and public affairs strategies to support the company’s growth while staying true to its core values. His efforts were instrumental in navigating the challenges of a globalized produce industry, where regulatory frameworks, labor laws, and consumer expectations are constantly evolving.
The Impact of O’Brien’s Leadership at Driscoll’s
During his tenure, Driscoll’s experienced significant growth and expansion. His leadership helped guide the company through various industry challenges, from trade regulations and labor issues to sustainability and food safety initiatives. His expertise in legal matters provided Driscoll’s with the strategic guidance needed to thrive in an increasingly complex global marketplace.
Beyond his legal and policy contributions, O’Brien was deeply involved in fostering a strong workplace culture at Driscoll’s. His oversight of Global Human Resources emphasized employee well-being, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion—helping to shape a company culture that prioritizes collaboration and ethical responsibility.
Transition and Future Plans
As he prepares to step down from his role overseeing HR and legal affairs, O’Brien will continue to contribute to Driscoll’s in a different capacity. During the transition period, he will remain as Driscoll’s Corporate Secretary and Counsel to the Board, ensuring continuity in governance and strategic oversight.
While stepping away from his full-time leadership position, O’Brien’s influence will continue to be felt throughout Driscoll’s and the broader produce industry. His legacy is one of dedicated service, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural policy and corporate governance.
A Lasting Influence on the Industry
Tom O’Brien’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact on Driscoll’s and the produce industry will endure for years to come. His contributions have helped shape not only the company but also the broader agricultural landscape, influencing policies and practices that benefit farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.
As he embarks on this next chapter, O’Brien leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and collaboration—qualities that will continue to inspire those who have had the privilege of working with him. While he may be stepping away from his day-to-day responsibilities, his insights and expertise will remain invaluable to the industry he has dedicated his career to serving.
Driscoll’s, along with colleagues and industry partners, expresses its deepest gratitude for O’Brien’s years of service and leadership. His contributions have laid a strong foundation for the company’s future, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the fresh produce industry.
