Rodriguez named Chiquita’s corporate responsibility officer

Rodriguez named ChiquitaÆs corporate responsibility officer    Chiquita Brands International Inc., a producer, marketer and distributor of bananas and other fresh produce, has widened the portfolio of Manuel Rodriguez, the company's senior vice president of government and international affairs, to include the position of corporate responsibility officer.
   Rodriguez will oversee Chiquita's adherence to environmental, ethical and social standards, and determine the company's performance in those areas.
   Today, all of the Chiquita-owned banana farms in Latin America have met standards of the Rainforest Alliance, an environmental conservation organization.
   Chiquita Brands International also said David McLaughlin, senior director of environmental and social performance, will report directly to Rodriguez.
   Jeffrey M. Zalla, who has been Chiquita's corporate responsibility officer since 2000, will become vice president of finance for Chiquita Fresh North America, as soon as financing is completed for Chiquita's announced acquisition of Fresh Express.