VANCOUVER, BC - Two produce marketing veterans have been promoted to newly created leadership roles within Oppy’s marketing team. Former Marketing Development Manager Cathie MacDonald will be taking on the role of Director of Marketing Services, while former Marketing Communications Manager, Karin Gardner, will be taking on Director, Corporate Communications.
“Cathie and Karin have contributed significantly toward our goals with a unique blend of thoughtfulness and passion for more than 25 years apiece,” said Vice President of Marketing James Milne. “Few have worked harder behind-the-scenes, driven by a belief in what we do and perseverance that yielded remarkable results. Their complementary expertise has helped Oppy evolve to become the full-service marketing company we are today.”
In 1991, in Vancouver, MacDonald began her career as the Marketing Coordinator for ENZA Fresh, Inc., which was absorbed by Oppy in 1997, leading MacDonald to become the company’s Trade Relations Manager. Since then, MacDonald has served in a variety of marketing roles, including Promotions Manager—Marketing, Packaging and Marketing Development Manager, and Creative Services and Marketing Development Manager. Over the course of her time with Oppy, MacDonald has contributed to and managed a creative service team tasked with building and executing Oppy’s dive into new areas like brand development, packaging, and design.
“Cathie has consistently been our go-to leader as we’ve branched out into new marketing disciplines. And she always comes through with unique and practical solutions. We’re looking forward to enabling Cathie to drive our strategic focus on innovation in her new position,” Milne said. “Karin combines the craft of good writing with her love of the produce industry to shine the spotlight on Oppy and our brands and products. Using various media, she has shaped our narrative for more than two decades, elevating our profile and striving tirelessly to create a consistent presence for Oppy and our grower family.”
In 1992, Gardner joined the Oppy team as a Public Relations Assistant after graduating from the University of Washington with a journalism degree. In 1998, she was promoted to Communications Manager, and then went on to serve in various marketing positions. Outside of Oppy, Gardner is active with United Fresh and the Produce for Better Health Foundation, as well as served as the PBH Marketing Communications Committee Chair in 2008-2009.
“As Karin, Cathie, and I sat around the same table many years ago to craft, alongside an agency partner, the Oppy brand promise of expect the world from us, I am delighted to say these promotions couldn’t go to two more deserving people who live this pledge each and every day,” Milne concluded.
Gardner's new role will complement MacDonald's as she leads Oppy’s internal and external communications initiatives and execution of related strategies to complement. According to a press release, Gardner will also lead the strategic aspects of marketing communications, focusing the team’s results with a blend of traditional and new media, while also linking more deeply with the communications priorities of the executive team.
Congratulations to Cathie and Karin on their new roles!
