Strategic hires aim to streamline operations and reinforce NatureSweet’s rapid North American expansion through expert leadership in cross-functional strategy and sustainable supply-chain management
NatureSweet®, the San Antonio-based grower known for its greenhouse-grown tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, has tapped two seasoned produce professionals for key leadership posts as part of a wider push to scale its fast-growing North American business.
On April 24 2025 the company announced that Dean Taylor will serve as chief of staff while Josh McCallum becomes vice-president of supply chain, moves aimed at tightening operations and positioning the brand for rising consumer demand across the United States and Canada.
The privately held firm, billed as North America’s largest vertically integrated controlled-environment agriculture company, has spent the past several years expanding acreage and adding product lines, executives decided fresh leadership talent was essential to sustaining that momentum while maintaining the social-impact programs for which NatureSweet is widely recognized.
Taylor joins after more than 15 years steering marketing, sales and business-development teams for produce and ag-tech companies throughout the continent.
In his new post he will coordinate cross-functional initiatives and serve as a strategic adviser to President and CEO Rodolfo Spielmann, helping align field, packing, logistics and commercial units with corporate objectives.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chief of Staff at NatureSweet, an organization driven by flavor, innovation and an extraordinary mission to transform the lives of millions of agricultural workers. What makes this opportunity even more remarkable is the chance to work alongside an exceptional senior leadership team and a highly aligned supportive board. Their vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit foster an environment where every individual is empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully. Joining a team of this caliber is both inspiring and humbling, and I am so fortunate to bring my passion and expertise to this outstanding organization.”
Dean Taylor, Chief of Staff at NatureSweet
McCallum arrives with nearly two decades of procurement, food-safety and logistics experience, having previously optimized distribution networks and sustainability programs for multinational food enterprises.
As vice-president of supply chain he will oversee everything from seed selection and greenhouse inputs to finished-goods logistics, with a mandate to drive efficiency without compromising the premium quality that retailers use to differentiate NatureSweet snacking tomatoes and other produce at shelf.
“The company’s dedication to vertical integration, premium quality, and its inspiring mission to transform the lives of agricultural workers deeply resonates with me. Combined with a strong focus on operational excellence, these values align perfectly with my passion for building high-performing, sustainable, and scalable supply chains. I’m eager to collaborate with the team and help drive strategies that deliver meaningful value to our customers and partners across the entire network.”
Josh McCallum, Vice-President of Supply Chain at NatureSweet
For CEO Spielmann, the pair bring precisely the blend of operational rigor and people-centric leadership the fast-growing greenhouse operator needs.
“We are proud to continue attracting top talent that not only supports our growth, but also helps transform the lives of agricultural workers. Taylor’s strategic insight and collaborative leadership and McCallum’s expertise in socially responsible sourcing and supply-chain operationswill be central to the next phase of expansion.”
Rodolfo Spielmann, CEO of NatureSweet
Founded in 1990, NatureSweet now manages more than 1,500 acres of greenhouses spread across Mexico and the southwestern United States.
The vertically integrated model spanning seed genetics, protected cultivation, packing, marketing and direct store delivery allows tight control over flavor and freshness while underpinning social programs such as education and healthcare for the company’s roughly 6,000 agricultural workers.
With retail demand for snacking tomatoes projected to keep climbing as consumers seek healthy convenience foods, analysts say reliable year-round supply and transparent labor practices are becoming decisive competitive factors in the produce aisle.
Taylor’s appointment is expected to streamline cross-departmental decision-making so that expansion projects can be executed without diluting corporate culture, while McCallum’s supply-chain mandate includes reinforcing food-safety protocols and lowering the carbon footprint of distribution goals that align with NatureSweet’s public pledge to operate entirely on renewable energy by 2030.
Both leaders will report directly to Spielmann and collaborate with the board on long-range growth strategy.
Industry observers note that recruiting high-profile talent from outside the greenhouse sector signals NatureSweet’s intent to keep pace with category consolidation and the entrance of venture-backed competitors, many of which are investing heavily in controlled-environment infrastructure.
By bolstering executive bandwidth now, the company aims to speed new product introductions and deepen penetration in club, mass and e-commerce channels while maintaining the reputation that has helped its Cherubs and Constellation tomato lines command premium shelf space.
