John Anderson, chair, CEO, and managing partner of Oppy, will celebrate 50 years at the company on March 15. What began as a temporary warehouse job in 1975 has evolved into a transformative career, helping guide the organization from a $7 million business to a global powerhouse with $1.5 billion in revenue and 19 locations worldwide.
Anderson's journey to CEO was rooted in a strong work ethic and determination. He delivered newspapers at age nine, worked multiple jobs throughout high school, and earned his commercial pilot's license before his driver's license.
John and David Smith at the March 6 celebration.
At 18, Anderson joined Oppy as a warehouse worker, shoveling ice and hauling sacks of potatoes. He quickly rose through the ranks, with then-CEO and descendant of the Oppenheimer founding brothers, David Oppenheimer, recognizing his potential. Anderson helped expand Oppy into international markets, including Chile and New Zealand while building a reputation for operational excellence and customer service.
"Under John's guidance, the company has grown from a small regional operation into a global leader in the produce industry. His ability to build meaningful relationships with growers, partners, and employees has been key to Oppy's success," said David Smith, president and COO.
Anderson's vision extended beyond day-to-day operations. He introduced Oppy's proprietary system that supports virtually every aspect of its supply chain, Optimo, led the creation of David Oppenheimer Transport, now known as Oppy Transport, which diversified Oppy's portfolio into categories, ensuring year-round availability of popular produce via multiple countries of origin.
"John's ability to lead with heart and insight has shaped not just Oppy's success, but the culture of trust and collaboration that will drive our future," said James Milne, senior vice president of categories and CMO.
John Anderson back in the day.
John has been awarded The Packer's Produce Man of the Year and Produce Marketer of the Year (2000 and 2012), EY's Canada's Pacific Region Entrepreneur of the Year (2002 and 2015), ACG BC Dealmaker of the Year (2013), BC CEO of the Year (2014), Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chile American Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia (2014), Waterstone Human Capital's Canada's Most Admired CEO (2017), CPMA and BCPMA's Lifetime Achievement Awards (2021), Business Laureates Hall of Fame (2023), the Order of British Columbia (2024), King Charles III's Coronation Medal (2024) and the International Humanitarian Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2025).
He was also named chair of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) in 2000-2001 and chair of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) in 2023-2024.
The milestone was celebrated on March 6 with a documentary tribute and reception in Vancouver, where colleagues, friends, and family joined Anderson, while team members in other offices took part in the festivities remotely.
For more information:
Kelsey Van Lissum
Oppy
Tel.: +1 (604) 461-6779
kelsey.van.lissum@oppy.com
www.oppy.com