SUMMERLAND, B.C. - Jennifer Armen has been named Director of Business Development and Marketing for Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), and is now an official employee of OSF’s parent company, Intrexon Corporation.
“Jennifer has been a driving force in the development and approval processes for nonbrowning Arctic® apples, not to mention her importance in our public education and industry outreach efforts,” said OSF President Neal Carter. “She has been an integral part of our team at OSF for years, and we are thrilled that she is now dedicating her full-time efforts to our management team.”
Armen, a 30-year veteran of the produce industry, had been working at her own company, The Armen Group, as a consultant since July 2009. While OSF had been among her chief clients, she will now become a full-time member of OSF’s Senior Management Team.
Armen has held quite a few positions throughout the produce industry, including roles with Nunhems, Syngenta, Pace International, and Frieda’s. According to a press release, Armen has primarily worked in management-level positions with an emphasis on business development and marketing of novel technologies. Armen holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in Botany from the University of Vermont, and a Master of Science in Plant Pathology from North Carolina State University.
“OSF’s passion for improving the food we produce through innovation is second-to-none, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help introduce Arctic® apples, and many other value-added biotech products which will offer value throughout the supply chain,” Armen says.
In her now expanded role, Armen will drive OSF’s business strategy to market the firm’s nonbrowning Arctic® apple varieties and will oversee all aspects of commercial development for the company. Arctic® apples received commercial approval in Canada and the U.S. earlier this year, and Armen will be working with OSF’s partners to bring the company’s first two nonbrowning varieties, Arctic® Granny and Arctic® Golden to market. She will also be responsible for the development of new market initiatives, assessing new markets and analyzing business opportunities for OSF.
