Dümmen Orange North America names new advisory board

Dümmen Orange North America has named a new advisory board: LJ Contillo, Yves Cournoyer and Paul Fisher.

“Our leadership felt that it would be beneficial for these three experts to serve as a resource for our company,” said Perry Wismans, Dümmen Orange COO and executive board member. “We have a young, talented management team in place at Dümmen Orange and the presence of LJ, Yves and Paul will provide great insight into how we can help propel both our company and the industry forward in the future.”

Contillo recently retired after four decades, but will be contributing to Dümmen in an advisory role. During his career, he worked a decade in retail store management before spending three decades working for two large growers: Costa Farms and Caple Farms.

“What I have enjoyed about collaborating with Dümmen Orange is the new breeding genus and varieties, testing and results, and product development,” said Contillo. “From form and supply chain development to program development, everything they do is focused on moving the needle across the supply chain for retail and consumer success.

Cournoyer also is retired. He worked for four decades as the sales director for Ball Horticultural Company.

“Dümmen Orange has always been a pleasant company to partner with by being open to discussing new initiatives and business opportunities,” said Cournoyer. “They breed and present innovative products to the industry.”

Fisher, a Ph. D at the University of Florida, has over 30 years of experience “in applied research and farm advising for the commercial greenhouse and controlled environment industry.” He was expertise in several topics, including propagation modeling, root zone management and online grower training

“I have especially enjoyed working on research projects such as evaluating poinsettia varieties, new product forms and rooting of perennial cuttings,” said Fisher. “It has been very rewarding to provide training to their excellent Latin American growers.

The advisory board, Dümmen says, will participate in monthly meetings and help develop key strategic projects.