North AMerican importer-supplier Oppy has announced the promotion of James Milne, Karin Gardner, Brett Libke and Garland Perkins to four newly created positions.
According to the group, the moves are made with an eye on business growth and innovation, as Oppy looks to embrace future opportunities.
“As we continue to grow in the highly demanding and dynamic global fresh produce industry, we’re adapting to new challenges with discipline but also a great deal of excitement about the opportunities ahead of us,” said David Smith, president of Oppy. “This experienced and talented foursome is prepared to lead us forward into areas that build on our strengths and open the door for strategic innovation.”
Milne has been promoted to senior vice-president, categories and marketing, where he is now charged with formulating the high-level strategic direction of each of Oppy’s major product groups, which include apples and pears, avocados, berries, citrus, field and greenhouse vegetables, grapes, tropicals and stonefruit.
Gardner has been promoted to executive director of marketing, taking the reins from Milne and now leading the execution of Oppy’s overall marketing strategy, involving communications, branding, insights, integrated marketing campaigns and more.
Working closely with Milne and Gardner to assure alignment between sales, marketing and categories, Libke has been promoted to senior vice-president of sales, North America, leading the sales strategy and market development initiatives for the full range of Oppy products across the US and Canada.
Breaking new ground at Oppy as a resource dedicated to innovation, Perkins has been promoted to senior manager of insights and innovation, tasked with creating and executing an overarching company innovation strategy through a defined structure and process that 'brings great ideas at Oppy into fruition'.
