Women Leading the Way in Produce

Laura Himes

Vice President, Produce
Walmart, Inc.
Bentonville, AR
5,206 supercenters, discount markets, neighborhood markets and Sam’s Clubs in the U.S.

Q. Tell us about your start in retail produce.

A. My career in produce began with my interest in having an international perspective of my career. My first produce job was with Chiquita, where I was attracted to the development programs they offered and the idea of living and working in Latin America. This gave me a comprehensive view of the company and allowed me to immerse myself in the global aspects of the industry.

I later joined Driscoll’s, leading the operations in Portugal, and Sunnyridge Farm/Dole, where I was responsible for the berry operations in the U.S. and Mexico. I have spent the last 11 years at Walmart in various roles on the retail produce side.

Q. How did you decide you wanted to work in retail produce?

A. Before joining Walmart, I had always worked on the production and supply chain side of the produce industry. I was interested in being closer to the customer and learning what is important to them. It has been advantageous to dig deeper into the customer side.

What I love about this industry is being able to provide food to our customers that is both healthy and affordable.

Q. Who were early mentors or opportunities instrumental in your successful career in retail produce?

A. Career progression does not happen alone; you need the support of others. I am lucky to have many people who have helped me in my career. From my time at Chiquita and Driscoll’s, Dorn Wenninger has been a good friend and mentor who has given me opportunities throughout my career and was instrumental in bringing me to Walmart.

Cathy Burns allowed me to take on a leadership role at IFPA (International Fresh Produce Association) and continues to be a huge advocate for me and women, in terms of produce, in general.

Martin Mundo, at Walmart, pushed me to be a better version of myself and taught me both retail and how to navigate a large company like Walmart.

Lastly, my spouse has been the biggest advocate of my career through ups and downs. He has supported my career development over his own.

Q. How did you climb the ladder? What skills, knowledge, and experience have been most instrumental?

A. It’s important to take opportunities when they are presented, take time to learn the business, create relationships, and find people who will help you along the way. Also, taking international assignments had a big impression on me; they helped me grow and see the world differently.

Don’t be afraid to make a change; it might feel uncomfortable at first, but that is how you develop. Lastly, be patient. Timing is a big part of career progression.

Q. Could you share what you consider your most significant accomplishments in the industry? What would you still like to accomplish?

A. My current role at Walmart is very rewarding, leading a team that sources fresh, affordable produce for 255 million customers every week in the U.S. I would like to continue to grow the program and expand the same level of service to all our international markets.

I am also a huge advocate of attracting diverse talent from all backgrounds and experiences to our industry, and I mean diversity in the broadest sense of the word. We need to attract the best and the brightest, not just from the agriculture industry, but also from areas like technology, supply chain, finance and genetics. We have a lot of big issues to solve, and we need all the great minds we can get.

I’m also incredibly proud to have served the produce industry as board chairman of IFPA. Giving back to the industry that has shaped me over the years gives me great pride and joy.

Q. What advice would you offer women about a career in retail produce?

A. Probably the same advice I would give anyone entering the produce retail space: to spend time learning the business. This industry is dynamic, energizing, and fast-paced, and it would benefit anyone significantly to spend time in various areas of the industry.

Don’t be afraid to make a change. Career progression does not happen to you; you have to make it happen. Always be an advocate for yourself. Most importantly, you should have faith in yourself. I guarantee you know and can do more than you give yourself credit for.