The produce industry veteran returns to Oppy after previous senior roles at The Fresh Connection and Apeel Sciences, bringing more than 30 years of international experience to oversee South American operations and expand fresh fruit supply programmes
Oppy has announced the return of produce industry veteran David Nelley as vice-president of South American operations.
Nelley’s career of more than 30 years spans New Zealand, North America, Asia, Australia, South America and beyond, where he has driven sales, marketing and export strategies across multiple sectors of the fresh fruit industry.
Most recently, he served as chief commercial officer at The Fresh Connection and vice-president of retail sales at Apeel Sciences.
Before those roles, Nelley spent more than 18 years at Oppy in leadership positions including vice-president of categories and global exports, and executive category director for apples, pears and northwest cherries.
During that tenure, Oppy noted, he strengthened supplier and retail partnerships, developed global programmes, and led strategies that delivered strong growth and results for both Oppy and its grower-partners.
Earlier in his career he held key marketing and sales roles with Enzafruit, now known as T&G Global, where he helped open new markets and was instrumental in building brands such as Envy and Jazz apples.
“It’s an exciting time to fit right back into Oppy, a company that has been so formative in my career,” said Nelley. “I’m delighted to return to the culture at Oppy, and work with trusted colleagues who are friends.
”South America plays a critical role in global produce supply, and I look forward to working with our growers and retailers to deliver fruitful programmes.”
Oppy said that in this role, Nelley will work closely with executive category directors, grower relations and sales teams to expand the company’s supply of fresh fruit for customers across North America.
He will also oversee the company’s South American offices and grower relations teams, coordinating with key partners throughout the continent.
”We’re happy to welcome David back to Oppy,” said president and chief operating officer David Smith.
”His deep knowledge of our business, combined with his broad international experience, uniquely positions him to strengthen our South American programs and create new growth opportunities.”
