After 6 years, David Nelley comes back to Oppy to lead South American operations

Global fresh produce grower, marketer, and distributor Oppy welcomes back industry veteran David Nelley as Vice President of South American operations. The executive brings with him over 30 years of global fresh produce experience back to the company.

In this role, Nelley will work closely with Oppy’s executive category directors, grower relations, and sales teams to expand its comprehensive and continuous 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.

“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,” said David Smith, Oppy's President and Chief Operating Officer.

Nelley’s career spans New Zealand, North America, Asia, Australia, and South America, where he has driven sales, marketing, and export strategies. Most recently, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at The Fresh Connection and as Vice President of Retail Sales at Apeel Sciences.

Good to be back home ay Oppy

At an earlier stage in his career, Nelley spent over 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, he strengthened supplier and retail partnerships, developed global programs, and led strategies that delivered strong growth and results for both Oppy and its grower-partners. 

“It’s an exciting time to fit right back into Oppy, a company that has been so formative in my career,” said Nelley. “South America plays a critical role in global produce supply, and I look forward to working with our growers and retailers to deliver fruitful programs.”

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