Nick Popper joins Stemilt as VP and general counsel

Wenatchee, Wash.-based tree fruit grower-shipper Stemilt has appointed Nick Popper as its new vice president and general counsel.

Popper comes to Stemilt after 10-plus years as chief counsel of the Americas for Spectris plc, a U.K.-based precision measurement company. Additionally, he brings 30 years of experience as an in-house attorney with knowledge in technology, software, IP licensing, precision measurement and industrial controls, according to a news release.

This is a new role at Stemilt where Popper will create and lead processes and systems that support Stemilt’s legal needs, according to the release. 

“We are so thankful to have Nick join our team,” Stemilt President West Mathison said in the release. “His rich experiences will help Stemilt team members make better decisions and stay focused on what we do best, grow delicious fruit.”

Related news: Shorter crop pulls apple exports lower

Popper grew up in a small town on the east coast and moved to Washington state seven years ago. He has dual degrees in international relations and economics from American University and a J.D. from Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. Working at Spectris plc, Popper was the first lawyer working in the U.S. and built a U.S. legal function supporting several U.S.-based businesses with worldwide operations, according to the release. 

“I’ve never worked for a law firm because I like being close to the action and learning the business and its subtleties from the ground up,” Popper said in the release. “It’s about coming in, learning the requirements with a variety of company functions and working to create a legal function in a systematic, and thoughtful way that improves efficiency and reduces risk.”

In his free time, Popper enjoys spending time outdoors skiing, hiking and fishing. He has a daughter who lives in Portland, Ore., and a Bernese mountain dog accompanying him in Wenatchee, Wash.

“I’m a lifelong learner and I’m looking forward to helping make a difference at Stemilt as we grow and determine what risk looks like for the organization,” Popper said in the release. “Having the ability to understand real-world problems and how law and legal process will work for the company is how we create a competitive advantage.”