VANCOUVER, CANADA - Celebrating a promotion is exciting for us over here at ANUK, but four? It’s a downright extravaganza! Oppy recently announced the promotions of four key players to not only its existing roster, but in newly created positions, thereby expanding and building on the business growth and innovation the company has in store.

“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, in the press release. “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.”

Leading the pack, James Milne will take up the reigns as Senior Vice President, Categories and Marketing. 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. Milne provides oversight and helps identify opportunities by exploring potential new growing regions, products, and partnerships to assure Oppy’s portfolio remains relevant and leading edge. Milne has held leadership roles in virtually all Oppy categories throughout his 26-year tenure.

Karin Gardner has been promoted to Executive Director of Marketing, taking over for Milne and now leading the execution of Oppy’s overall marketing strategy, involving communications, branding, insights, integrated marketing campaigns, and more. First joining Oppy in 1992, Gardner has served as Director, Corporate Communications, and Marketing Communications Manager in recent years.

Working closely with Milne and Gardner to assure alignment between sales, marketing, and categories, Brett Libke has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales, North America. Libke leads the sales strategy and market development initiatives for the full range of Oppy products across the U.S. and Canada, overseeing a team of over 50 sales professionals based in more than a dozen strategically located offices. Libke has been with the company since 2011.

Breaking new ground at Oppy as a resource dedicated to innovation, Garland Perkins has been promoted to Senior Manager of Insights and Innovation. Perkins is drawing from her experience in marketing, insights, and business development to create and execute an overarching company innovation strategy through a defined structure and process that brings great ideas at Oppy into fruition.

I’m sure one big celebration is in order! Congratulations to everyone on their new journey from us at ANUK!

Oppy