Passing the Banana: A New CEO at The FruitGuys

The FruitGuys, the pioneering family-owned and B Corp Certified provider of farm-fresh fruit and healthy snacks to American workplaces, has announced new leadership. Erin Mittelstaedt, chief operating officer, has taken over the CEO and Chief Banana role from Founder Chris Mittelstaedt. 

Chris founded the company and launched the fruit-at-work space with his wife, Pia Hinckle, in their San Francisco kitchen in 1998. Chris established The FruitGuys’ mission to fight hunger and support small farms that first year, developed the 5Rs service model, and steered the company through the shoals of the dot-com crash of 2000, the Great Recession of 2008, and the closure of offices and schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m excited for Erin’s leadership and expansion of what it means to be an impactful business for the decades to come,” said Chris Mittelstaedt, who is also Erin’s older brother.

“The FruitGuys and its tremendous staff have always been guided by the idea of being in service to the customers, farmers, and the partners we work with. I’m grateful to have worked with so many talented and motivated people over the years.”  

Erin Mittelstaedt is the New CEO

Erin (she/her) first joined The FruitGuys in 2007 as an operations manager at the newly-opened Philadelphia facility. She became chief operating officer in 2015 and acting chief financial officer in 2021. Prior to joining The FruitGuys she worked as a manager at Trader Joes in Wayne, PA, and as a case manager at Safe Horizon for the New York City Police Department. She has a degree in music from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives with her wife Julie Collins (The FruitGuys’ head of marketing) and their two young children in San Francisco. 

“I am honored to lead The FruitGuys in its next phase,” said Erin Mittelstaedt. “I am excited to continue working with our incredible team to further the mission Chris and Pia started 25 years ago and usher us through our exciting next phase: Becoming a certified woman-owned and operated business.”

Chris will become chair of The FruitGuys’ board, continue to consult on partnerships and to serve on the nonprofit The FruitGuys Community Fund board, and pursue other projects. 

Leadership Team Remains Unchanged

The FruitGuys’ leadership team remains otherwise unchanged. It includes Jessica Bickis, head of data and information systems; Sheila Cassani, head of impact; Julie Collins, head of marketing; Venita Devine, head of operations and people success; and Erik Muller, president.  

“Erin is the right choice for the CEO role. She has the trust and respect of our employees along with a dedicated vision to lead the company,” said The FruitGuys President Erik Muller. “Erin will be a great champion of innovation and a strong ambassador for our clients and partners.” 

About The FruitGuys

The FruitGuys is a family-owned and operated B Corporation that delivers farm-fresh fruits and healthy snacks to workplaces, schools, and organizations nationwide. Founded in 1998, our mission is to connect people, nourish communities, and regenerate the planet. For more information, visit fruitguys.com.

Media Contact: Julie Collins