Oppy strengthens sales and grower relations approach
Strategic realignments within The Oppenheimer Group were announced earlier this month, bolstering the leading sales, marketing and distribution company’s pursuit of growth and delivery of its expect the world from us promise.
Former Director of West Coast Sales Eric Coty was named executive director, South American imports, where he will oversee Oppy’s procurement strategy for all South America-grown items. With this promotion, Coty will work closely with Oppy’s executive category directors associated with berries, grapes, stone fruit, apples, pears, kiwifruit, mangoes and citrus, as well as its sales team, grower relations staff and grower partners to ensure Oppy secures a comprehensive and continuous supply of fresh produce for customers across North America.
Coty joined Oppy over two decades ago, starting in QC, then serving in sales positions of increasing responsibility until he was appointed to West Coast director of sales in April 2012.
“Eric’s excellent relationships with growers, alongside his understanding of the nuances of our customer base and excellent results with key Oppy accounts position him for success in the new role,” said Doug Grant, executive vice president and chief operations officer. “As executive director, South American Imports, Eric will ensure a consistent methodology across all categories for planning, procurement, programs, communication, and coordination with our base of South American growers.”.
Oppy sales veteran of nearly 30 years Walt Breeden will absorb the role left vacant by Coty, becoming vice president sales, Canada and U.S. West Coast. The Vancouver-based Breeden has managed Oppy sales in various capacities since 1997. While specializing in customer relations and building opportunities for the full breadth of Oppy products, Breeden is also the star of the recently launched “What’s Fresh at Oppy” monthly video series appearing on Oppy Twitter and Facebook.
The efforts of Steve Young, who was promoted to director of sales, Canada, in April, will support Breeden, assuring Oppy’s Canadian business remains focused on strategic growth. Young has direct responsibility for sales activity in Oppy’s Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto offices.
“Walt and Steve will do a great job assuring the needs of our Western U.S. and Canadian customers are covered,” said David Smith, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “We are excited to bring Eric’s expertise closer to our South American grower base. These moves truly strengthen Oppy’s ability to tend to our growers’ interests while innovating and delivering the best possible solutions to our customers.”
In support of these changes, Tampa Sales Manager Carl Immenhausen will continue to be responsible for strategic and tactical management of Oppy’s pivotal South American air program. Newark Sales Manager Bill Poulos will continue in the role of director of import grapes and stone fruit.
