The Oppenheimer Group has promoted James Milne, Karin Gardner, Brett Libke and Garland Perkins to new positions at the company.
Milne is senior vice president of categories and marketing. Gardner succeeds him as executive director of marketing. Libke is senior vice president of sales, North America, and Perkins is senior manager of insights and innovation.
“As we continue to grow in the highly demanding and dynamic global fresh produce industry, we’re adapting to new challenges with discipline but also a great deal of excitement about the opportunities ahead of us,” David Smith, Oppy president, said in a news release. “This experienced and talented foursome is prepared to lead us forward into areas that build on our strengths and open the door for strategic innovation.”
Milne now leads the strategic direction for Oppy’s major product groups, including apples and pears, avocados, berries, citrus, field and greenhouse vegetables and grapes. He’s been with Oppy for 26 years in leadership roles for nearly all categories, most recently as vice president of marketing, categories and business development.
Gardner, who joined the company in 1992, now leads the execution of Oppy’s overall marketing strategy, including communications, branding and marketing campaigns, according to the release. Most recently, she was director of corporate communications.
Libke will lead Oppy’s sales strategy and market development initiatives, according to the release, He joined the company in 2011 and has been vice president of sales and general manager - East Coast. He’ll work with Milne and Gardner on aligning sales, marketing and categories.
Perkins joined Oppy in mid-2012 in sales and most recently was a U.S. retail solutions specialist. She’ll draw from her experience in marketing and business development for an innovation strategy, according to the release.
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