David Marguleas

Senior Vice President of Sourcing, Licencing, R&D, Facilities

David is responsible for managing Sun World’s licensing and variety development programs as well as the company’s sourcing functions and packing/cold storage facilities. Ultimately, developing and delivering better fruit is the crux of David’s responsibilities. His lifelong history with Sun World has more than qualified him for such an important task. 

Mark Holder

Director of Facilities and Operations

Earning Sun World’s Top Ops award in 2000 was a proud moment for Mark. He’s been with the company for 30 years, currently overseeing all facilities including those in Philadelphia, Texas, Arizona and California. He claims his most significant accomplishment has been building a team of individuals who are the best in the business. This humble attitude is why he’s been so successful.

Mark got his start in agriculture at the age of 13 and has never looked back. In addition to his work for Sun World, Mark is also affiliated with the Refrigerating Engineers & Technician Association.

His favorite grape is the MIDNIGHT BEAUTY ®. His favorite Sun World-inspired dish is LE ROUGE ROYALE® and LE JAUNE ROYALE® peppers sautéed with mushrooms, butter, and garlic with chopped up chicken breast, pork loin or shrimp.

Joe Sanchez

Facility Manager

Keeping fruit fresh for delivery is Joe’s specialty. He’s responsible for daily packing and cold storage operations, which means he’s adamant about maintaining optimal temperatures and finding just the right packing method to protect Sun World’s high quality produce. He joined Sun World in 2007 with nearly 20 years of industry experience under his belt. While employed by Gerawan Farming in Reedley, Calif., Joe participated in the Partners in Quality program meeting USDA inspection requirements for four years without the need for an USDA inspector. This earned him the Hammer Award from former Vice President Al Gore for efforts that resulted in a government that works better and costs less – quite an accomplishment.

Joe’s only known weakness? APPLUM® brand plums. Crisp like an apple, sweet like a plum, he just can’t resist them.

Chris Davis

Purchasing Director

Taking stock of Sun World’s stock is a critical component of Chris’s daily duties. As the purchasing director, he oversees company purchases of agricultural-related supplies totaling $25 million annually, ensuring enough materials are on hand while avoiding excess inventory. It’s a delicate balance. Chris has the years of experience to make it happen. He served as assistant purchasing manager for 12 years at Sun World, then spent four years as the accounting and procurement manager for Flying J Inc., only to return to the company to oversee the department where he got his start.  Chris enhances his vast experience with a master’s degree in business administration from the University of California, Bakersfield.

When he comes home from a long day, Chris enjoys a good rib eye steak topped with grilled LE ROUGE ROYALE® peppers.