In a strategic move to scale up innovation and impact across global food supply chains, agri-tech leaders B-Hive Innovations, HarvestEye, and RootExtracts have appointed seasoned fresh produce expert Doreen Spikings as their new Chief Operating and Commercial Officer.
The appointment signals a significant step forward for the trio of research-driven companies, as they aim to deliver transformative, science-backed solutions in areas ranging from AI and crop genetics to sustainability and valorisation.
Bringing over two decades of international experience, Spikings has worked across every stage of the food supply chain, from hands-on harvesting to executive leadership. Her previous roles include Commercial Director at Keelings, one of Ireland’s leading growers and distributors, and senior commercial positions at Greenvale and Greenyard, global suppliers of fresh and prepared produce.
Her journey in the sector, which began in the fields harvesting gem lettuce, has seen her develop a deep understanding of production, procurement, operations, and commercial strategy.
“My career has taken me across the globe, from Kenya and South Africa to New Zealand, giving me a wide-lens perspective on how science can meaningfully reshape food systems,” Spikings said. “The opportunity to apply this experience to help scale B-Hive, HarvestEye and RootExtracts is incredibly exciting.”
The companies, known for their ground-breaking work in agricultural R&D, have grown rapidly beyond their original focus on potatoes. Today, their technologies address broader crop categories—including strawberries, apples, and onions. With new ventures on the horizon, including aquaculture.
HarvestEye, which provides real-time crop insights, is gaining traction in global markets, while RootExtracts, a venture converting potatoes into plant-based ingredients, is nearing commercial launch.
Spikings’ appointment is expected to enhance the companies’ ability to link their scientific breakthroughs with real-world commercial applications.
“Financial and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand,” she added. “We now have a tremendous opportunity to deliver research-based solutions that bring measurable benefits to the entire food supply chain.”
For Vee Gururajan, CEO of B-Hive Innovations and its sister ventures, the appointment is well-timed and deeply strategic.
“Doreen brings the commercial expertise and global outlook that will help us accelerate our growth,” Gururajan said. “She’s the perfect fit to bridge our innovation with market demands, expand our IP footprint, and strengthen our agricultural client base.”
Founded eight years ago, B-Hive has grown from a potato-focused startup into a hub for agricultural innovation, with a growing portfolio of tech solutions aimed at building a more resilient, productive, and sustainable food system.
“We’re at a tipping point in 2025,” Gururajan continued. “With Doreen onboard, we’re poised to scale faster, reach wider, and deepen our impact on how the world grows and consumes food.”