EY celebrates legacy-building entrepreneurs at annual awards gala
Vancouver, 25 September 2015 — John Anderson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oppenheimer Group, an international distributor of fruit and vegetables, is this year’s Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific winner.
“John’s reputation in the industry says it all,” says Lui Petrollini, Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific Program Director. “His integrity, work ethic, taste for innovation and commitment to transparency have transformed the company from a small operation in Vancouver to an international, full-service produce marketing force to be reckoned with.”
John started out as a warehouseman at Oppenheimer, or Oppy, as it’s also known, in 1975. By 1993, he had opened an office in the US, introduced North America to fruit from Chile and New Zealand, and became the company’s Chief Executive Officer. John credits his many successes to his focus on constant change and strong relationships. Tackling challenges head on, John says, “we run towards issues and conflict, not away from them”. That mantra has paid off well. Under John’s leadership, Oppenheimer has tripled the volume of product that goes through the company and has seen 14 consecutive years of record profitability.
“John’s entrepreneurial spirit drove Oppenheimer to become an industry leader,” says Petrollini. “John has spearheaded an in-house transportation service and a proprietary supply management system that offer significant competitive advantages. And he has built strategic partnerships with growers that have transformed the company from being a middle-man to a producer as well.”
While the company has grown at a massive speed, John is proud that the company has retained that family feel, even across the globe. He makes time to visit personally with growers, retailers and employees, building those relationships that help him succeed. John takes people seriously. That’s how he’s maintained a positive, tight-knit company culture that ultimately translates into outstanding financial growth
Sep 25, 2015