Following a recent ownership change, Okanagan Specialty Fruits has strengthened its leadership and operations. The Summerland, British Columbia-based company has promoted two longtime employees and appointed a new vice president of sales and marketing.
The promotions elevate Marcy Keehn to vice president of human resources and corporate administration and Muhammad Tahir to vice president of research and regulatory. Additionally, Lance McGinn joins OSF as vice president of sales and marketing.
The changes were announced by CEO Neal Carter, who in June bought back the company he co-founded 30 years ago.
Responsible for developing the groundbreaking nonbrowning Arctic apple, OSF says it has expanded its use of advanced genetics, including genome editing, to continue innovating in the fresh produce sector.
“We are extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished leadership team to guide and grow OSF as it enters its next phase of development,” says Carter. “With these promotions and a new VP of sales and marketing, I’m confident of our continued success.”
McGinn came to OSF from Sandher Fruit Packers in Kelowna, British Columbia, where he served as managing director. Over his 25-year career, he advanced from entry-level buying responsibilities to executive leadership roles driving national growth, market expansion and operational excellence within the Canadian produce industry.
“Lance’s proven track record in scaling organizations and building high-performing teams across sales, operations, logistics and marketing is a perfect fit for OSF,” says Carter. “It’s rare to encounter someone with a 100% customer retention rate, and we’re excited to add that expertise to the OSF team as we diversify and expand our presence in the Canadian market.”
Tahir, who joined OSF in 2020, earned a doctorate in plant breeding and genetics from Washington State University. He has over 30 years of experience in plant breeding and navigating the regulatory process for genetically engineered crops. He is known for his leadership of agricultural science companies and delivering viable and profitable commercial products.
Tahir oversees OSF’s advanced genetics laboratory in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where the science team is using genome editing to introduce traits that benefit both consumers and producers into Arctic apples and other fruits, such as cherries, berries and grapes. Some 2,000 square feet of greenhouse space and two diverse field test sites support OSF’s bench-to-field research capacity.
Keehn joined OSF in 2019 with more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Like McGinn, she is based in British Columbia. Keehn is a chartered professional of human resources with expertise in mediation, negotiation and conflict management, the company says. She holds a master’s degree in conflict analysis and management from Royal Roads University.
“Marcy and Tahir have provided invaluable administrative, research and management support to OSF,” Carter says. “We are grateful for their congeniality, dedication and specialized skills as OSF enters an exciting new chapter.”
Carter recently regained ownership of OSF as the company he co-founded marks its 30th anniversary with a fresh new logo and bold plans to revolutionize the fresh produce industry through genome editing.
