From Warehouse Worker to Global CEO: John Anderson’s Remarkable Path at Oppy

John Anderson, chair, CEO, and managing partner of Oppy, is marking a remarkable milestone on March 15, when he will celebrate 50 years at the company.

His tenure has driven Oppy’s expansion from a modest $7 million enterprise into a global organization generating $1.5 billion in revenue and operating in 19 locations worldwide.

Born and raised in North Vancouver, Anderson developed an early sense of responsibility by delivering newspapers at nine, balancing multiple jobs in high school, and even obtaining his commercial pilot’s license before his driver’s license.

Stepping into Oppy at 18 years old, he began in a temporary warehouse role, shoveling ice and hauling potatoes, never imagining the transformative leadership path that lay ahead.

Anderson’s rise through the company paralleled Oppy’s shift from a small regional business to a leading name in the produce industry.

John Anderson in his early days at Oppy, reflecting the determination and spirit of innovation that would drive his ascent to global leadership | Images: Courtesy of Oppy

Under his direction, the firm extended its reach beyond Canada, venturing into international markets such as Chile and New Zealand.

With a clear focus on operational efficiency and relationship-building, he helped establish a reputation for excellence and reliability that propelled the company forward.

Early on, David Oppenheimer, the descendant of one of the founding brothers, recognized Anderson’s potential, trusting him to expand the company’s presence into uncharted territories.

Anderson’s vision guided the development of Oppy’s proprietary system, Optimo, which supports almost every aspect of the supply chain, and he also led the creation of David Oppenheimer Transport later rebranded as Oppy Transport diversifying product categories and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fresh produce year-round.

“John’s leadership has been transformative for Oppy. Under his 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.”

David Smith, President and COO

Indeed, Anderson’s approach to leadership extends far beyond profitable strategies.

He emphasizes collaboration, trusting partnerships, and a customer-focused philosophy.

In 2004, Oppy introduced its “expect the world from us” promise, a dedication to quality and service that Anderson both inspired and championed, solidifying the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional produce across North America and beyond.

Anderson’s influence is also evident in the organizational culture he has cultivated at Oppy.

“John has always led with the belief that business is about more than just transactions it’s about building lasting, genuine connections. His 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.”

James Milne, Senior Vice President of Categories and CMO

This emphasis on authentic relationships and shared success has helped Oppy garner numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies every year since 2002, Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures four times, and one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in 2020 and 2021.

Throughout his extensive career, Anderson has received a host of personal honors.

He was named The Packer’s Produce Man of the Year and Produce Marketer of the Year in 2000 and 2012, respectively, and he earned EY’s Canada’s Pacific Region Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 and 2015.

Additional distinctions include ACG BC Dealmaker of the Year (2013), BC CEO of the Year (2014), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chile American Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia (2014), Canada’s Most Admired CEO (2017), CPMA and BCPMA’s Lifetime Achievement Awards (2021), induction into the 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 has also contributed to the industry’s advancement as chair of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) in 2000-2001 and chair of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) in 2023-2024, affirming his enduring commitment to the future of fresh produce on a global scale.