Grower-owned cooperative Oregon Cherry Growers, Salem, has added two sales and marketing experts to its management roster to help drive company sales, both nationally and internationally. Matthew Gillespie and Don Bachouros were selected for their strong backgrounds in the food industry and strength in growing brands.

Gillespie joins the organization in the newly created director of marketing position, leading marketing and new product development. He has more than 10 years’ experience in sales and marketing at high-quality foods manufacturers and distributors. His background includes brand management, sales planning and support, new product development, marketing research and communications for companies like Moonstruck Chocolate, CedarLane Natural Foods, Barbara’s Bakery and Amy’s Kitchen.

Don Bachouros joins Oregon Cherry Growers as national sales manager, ingredients. He will focus on business development in the bakery business, and lead national sales and development. Bachouros has extensive experience spearheading sales strategy and execution, including planning and analysis, product launches, market entry and expansion. He brings more than a decade of experience in sales management in the food and ingredient manufacturing industry. His background includes sales and account management positions with Taura Natural Ingredients, Fuchs, The Kerry Group, Farbest-Tallman Foods and Crompton and Knowles.

“With the dynamic environment of the fruit ingredient industry, it is important we continue to grow our team to meet our customers’ needs and expectations, including educating our customers about the breadth of products Oregon Cherry Growers produces,” says Tim Ramsey, president and CEO. “Matthew and Don bring strong expertise in the areas where we are expanding. They are hitting the ground running, and we expect 2015 to be a big year for the company as a result.”