Dole Plc

The Key Talent Programme

The organisation, business issue and development challenge

Following the 2021 merger of Total Produce and Dole Food Company, the newly combined Dole plc became one of the world’s largest producers of fresh fruits and vegetables, with over 34,000 employees across 75 countries. While the merger doubled sales and tripled headcount, it also presented significant challenges in uniting two distinct organisational cultures. The operational model, focused on local ownership, had created silos, hindering collaboration and innovation. Long-tenured leadership, with an average age of 57, led to career stagnation, while the company's family-led businesses required a culturally sensitive approach to integration. There was an urgent need for a cohesive, global culture that could drive strategic alignment and leadership development across a diverse workforce.

The programme

To address these challenges, Dole launched the Key Talent Programme (KTP), designed to develop future leaders, bridge cultural divides and foster a cohesive, globally-minded workforce. The programme featured a blended learning approach with two phases.

In phase one participants underwent Hermann Brain Dominance personality profiling to understand different working styles, followed by a 12-week immersive business simulation where teams from across regions focused on running a business in competition with other entities. This simulation encouraged cross-functional collaboration and strategic thinking.

In the second phase participants attended a four-day workshop in Sweden to present their simulation results and tackle real-world strategic problems posed by senior executives. They visited a local Dole operation to explore innovative supply chain solutions and participated in leadership and cultural immersion activities. Mentors and coaches supported participants throughout the programme, helping them navigate organisational challenges.

The programme emphasised inclusivity, increasing female participation and representation from non-European regions, while aligning with business objectives to support Dole's global strategy.

“The Key Talent Programme has unified Dole’s diverse global workforce, driving collaboration, cultural understanding and business success across 75 countries.”

The outcome

The Key Talent Programme has transformed Dole’s culture, enhancing cross-functional collaboration and operational efficiency. A supply chain project driven by KTP participants resulted in a 15-20% cost reduction across Europe and the Americas. In a 2023 survey 100% of participants reported improved networking skills and 97% noted increased collaboration.

The programme also strengthened cultural understanding, reducing communication barriers and fostering better decision-making across regions. Retention rates among participants are high, with 89% remaining at Dole, versus 60% typically, and 35% receiving promotions. Female participation increased from 18% to 41%, and representation from outside Europe rose from 17% to 45%.

Additionally KTP has generated over £2 million in consultancy savings, with participants acting as in-house consultants. Now 88% of participants view Dole as an employer of choice. The programme continues to build a diverse and skilled leadership pipeline, positioning Dole for future growth.