Further strengthening its executive team with an eye on strategy going into the next decade, grower, marketer and distributor of fresh produce Oppy announces several refined roles and structure enhancements.
“The complexity of our business has radically evolved in the last five to 10 years,” said David Smith, now president and chief operating officer. “A huge part of Oppy’s success has been in taking a proactive approach and modifying our strategy as we drive business forward.”
Left to right: David Smith, Satri Alpine, Chris Kurylo.
Vice-president of talent and culture Satri Alpine has been acknowledged as Oppy’s chief people officer, having made her mark as a thoughtful leader when the company navigated the COVID-19 pandemic said Smith, while also continuing to evolve its approach to recruitment, on-boarding, employee development and more.
Chris Kurylo takes on the role of vice-president of strategic business development and analysis. Kurylo has been instrumental to the company’s integration with Eco Farms, the Temecula, CA-based avocado and citrus grower-marketer Oppy acquired a 65 percent stake in last year, while also overseeing fiscal elements across the organization’s categories. He now reports to senior vice-president of categories and marketing James Milne, who has added executive responsibility for partner relations to his purview. Director of global procurement Ray Reed now also reports to Milne.
Left to right: James Milne, Ray Reed, Jason Fung
Newly-created position vice-president of categories and strategy has added greater responsibility to Jason Fung who continues overseeing Oppy’s berry and greenhouse categories while leading more of the strategic planning process. “Jason is a proven strategic thinker, which is why he is the ideal fit for this position to help shape and execute Oppy’s strategy,” said Smith.
Left to right: Audrey Desnoyers, Brett Libke, Steve Roosdahl
These changes also bring structure enhancements to reinforce the alignment between Oppy’s tactical and strategic approaches to sales and marketing process. Lead of the business development representatives’ team, sales and national BDR manager Audrey Desnoyers, now reports to senior vice-president of North American sales Brett Libke. Milne stays connected to business development activity through his leadership position in marketing.
This summer Oppy also announced the retirement of two veterans and the refined roles stepping into their places. Vice-president of operations Steve Roosdahl took on Doug Grant’s top-line responsibilities within operations, transportation and supply chain; vice-president of South American operations Eric Coty took over the region completely; and IT now reports directly to executive vice-president and CFO Kiran Rao. Jim Leach assumed the sales manager position of its Houston location after Jeff Walker’s 27-year tenure.
Left to right: Eric Coty, Kiran Rao, Jim Leach
“With these retirements, along with the tragic passing of Cal Tribiano, I know all shifts will honor those losses and take Oppy to a heightened purpose,” said Smith.
For more information:
Kelsey Van Lissum
Oppy
Tel: +1 (604) 461-6779
[email protected]
www.oppy.com