Canadian produce giant the Oppenheimer Group has promoted one of its own to lead its Calgary-based sales team.
Steve Young, who has been with Oppenheimer since 2008, has been promoted to sales manager of the full-service produce marketer’s Calgary office, with effect from 1 April.
Young will be responsible for customers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with the goal of expanding Oppenheimer’s distribution east of Calgary, according to a news release from the group.
Within his first year as an Oppenheimer sales representative, Young was appointed category coordinator for Canadian citrus, and assisted with the development of a California citrus program for Canadian customers.
In 2011, Young began overseeing sales for the Calgary division, which the company said makes him a natural fit to lead the Calgary sales team.
“This is a great opportunity to develop new skills while expanding the Oppenheimer brand eastward,” Young said.
“The prairies are the fastest growing region in Canada. Having a strong sales team to work hands-on with existing accounts, and to form strong partnerships, is really what Oppenheimer’s expect the world from us promise is all about.”
The Calgary team will consist of sales, transportation, quality control, and operations professionals, and will focus on developing Oppenheimer’s kiwifruit, greenhouse and apple and pear categories while promoting a strong, year-round avocado programme.
“Steve has a solid work ethic and is passionate about what he does,” said Walt Breeden, Oppenheimer sales manager for western Canada.
“Being customer focused is important for a sales manager. Steve really takes that to heart and it shows.”
Before joining Oppenheimer, Young worked as an account manager for Sunkist’s Vancouver, BC, office, and has served as a director with the BCPMA since 2010.
