VANCOUVER, CANADA – With its eyes on company growth, and the global expansion of its footprint, The Oppenheimer Group has announced two executive appointments in the promotions of Eric Coty and Walt Breeden.
Eric Coty was promoted to Executive Director, South American Imports, to oversee the company’s procurement strategies for all South American grown produce. Coty first joined the company more than two decades ago in QC, moving up through various sales positions in Oppy before being appointed to his most recent position, West Coast Director of Sales, in 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.”
According to a press release, Coty will work closely with Oppy sales teams, grower relations staff, and grower partners to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce for North American consumers. Coty will also work with Oppy’s Executive Category Directors for the following:
- Berries
- Grapes
- Stonefruit
- Apples
- Pears
- Kiwifruit
- Mangos
- Citrus
To replace Coty’s role, the company stated that Walt Breeden has been appointed as Vice President Sales, Canada and U.S. West Coast. Breeden is based in Vancouver, Canada, and has worked for Oppy for almost 30 years in various roles in the sales department. Breeden specializes in customer relations and building opportunities for the full range of Oppy’s offerings, and is also the star of the company’s monthly “What’s Fresh at Oppy” social media video.
Oppy stated that Breeden’s efforts willbe supported by Director of Sales, Canada, Steve Young, who was promoted to his position in April of this year. Young is directly responsible for sales activity in Oppy’s Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto offices. This supportive appointment will ensure Oppy’s Canadian business remains focused on strategic growth.
“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.”
The company stated that in other supportive and strategic appointments in the company, Tampa Sales Manager, Carl Immenhausen, will retain responsibility for strategic and tactical management of Oppy’s South American air program. Newark Sales Manager, Bill Poulos, will continue to function in his role as Director of Import Grapes and Stonefruit.
Congratulations to Eric Coty and Walt Breeden on their new chapters with Oppy!
