MADISON — The largest New England greenhouse grower of vine-ripened tomatoes has a new president and chief executive officer.

Backyard Farms announced Wednesday the hiring of Chuck Green, 57.

He will replace Roy Lubetkin, who left the company to pursue other opportunities, according to Melissa Doyle, a spokeswoman for Backyard Farms.

Green said he looks forward to providing customers with high-quality products.

“Backyard Farms grows the highest quality tomatoes in New England, and I am excited to lead this growing company,” he said.

He will spend most of his time at the greenhouses in Madison and on the road with customers.

Backyard Farms, which operates 42 acres of greenhouse growing space, is one of the town’s top three employers, with more than 200 workers. It provides about 10 percent of the town’s tax revenue, according to Town Manager Dana Berry.

Green has a history of leading and managing food industry companies. He most recently held a lead sales role at Massachusetts-based Weetabix North America, according to Backyard Farms. Weetabix manufactures and markets cereals, breakfast bars and snacks.

Previously, Green was president and CEO of Traders Point Creamery, an organic dairy farm in Indiana. He was also president and CEO of the retail ice cream and restaurant chain Brigham’s Inc., and he held sales, strategy and marketing positions at Unilever Ice Cream, Ben & Jerry’s and H.P. Hood Ice Cream.

Berry, the town manager, said he looks forward to continuing the partnership between the town and Backyard Farms.

“We’ve been able to add over 200 jobs — good paying jobs with benefits — and the town certainly wants to do what it can to encourage additional expansion at Backyard Farms,” Berry said.

Erin Rhoda — 474-9534

erhoda@centralmaine.com

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