REGIONAL PEOPLE

* Sunkist Growers of Sherman Oaks announced that Vincent J. Lupinacci is leaving the company after less than three years as president and chief operating officer, citing personal and family reasons. James H. Mast, chairman of the Sunkist board, has been appointed acting president, effective immediately.

Sunkist is a $1-billion citrus marketing cooperative owned by more than 6,500 citrus growers in California and Arizona. The company markets fresh fruits and processed citrus products worldwide.

* Janice Miller has been appointed vice president of business and legal affairs at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk Hollywood in Universal City. Miller will act as legal counsel regarding intellectual property rights, real estate and general business and legal affairs.

* Birathon Kasemsri has been named vice president of Walt Disney Internet Group in Japan. His responsibilities include managing Disney-i, Disney Online and business development.

Walt Disney Internet Group is a unit of the Walt Disney Co. of Burbank.

* Vertel Corp. of Woodland Hills announced changes to its management structure. Cyrus D. Irani, president and chief executive, will assume the duties of Bruce W. Brown, former executive chairman, who has accepted the position of chief executive with Efficient Networks. Brown will remain chairman of the Vertel board of directors. Irani will supervise the WebResolve Division and direct future mergers and acquisitions.

Vertel Corp. specializes in software products that manage broadband, wireless and Internet networks.

* Mitch Aronson has been named president of Aronson Manufacturing in Van Nuys. He will be responsible for the company’s industrial-hose market division, daily operations and national sales.

The company manufactures industrial hoses for Goodyear and other vendors worldwide.