As they enter a new era, Bennett Opie Ltd have maintained their family heritage with the appointment of Christopher Opie as the new Managing Director. Christopher, who took over the role earlier this year, is a fifth generation descendent of founder Bennett Opie. He has stepped up to the Managing Director’s role having been Sales & Marketing Director at the fine food firm for 18 months. Christopher has taken over from his uncle, William Opie, who held the Managing Director post for the past 25 years. William has become Chairman, taking the reigns from his brother, and Christopher’s father, Philip Opie. Philip, who last year retired as Technical Director, has retired from the Chairman’s role to become Company President.
Christopher has a wealth of FMCG experience, and prior to joining Bennett Opie had a successful stint at Unilever. His appointment comes at a time when Bennett Opie have ambitious growth plans across all channels and brands including their own Opies retail and foodservice brand. Bennett Opie also has exclusive distribution in the UK for a selection of brands including Monin, Linghams, and Ferns Curry Pastes. To sustain this projected growth, in the past year, Bennett Opie has opened a new warehouse facility in Sittingbourne and enhanced resources with the appointment of several key personnel.
Christopher Opie said “I’m delighted and proud to be part of the business established by my family in 1880 and privileged to be taking it forward. I am committed to achieving our ambitious growth plans and fortunate that there is an excellent team at Bennett Opie to join me on this journey. The Opies brand has great potential for growth across all sectors, retail and foodservice as well as for export. Our agency brands are equally important and we are also exploring opportunities to add to our select list that we exclusively represent in the UK.”
Chairman William Opie said “The Bennett Opie baton has been passed onto Christopher and as one of the oldest family food firms, we are pleased to have cemented the future with another family appointment. We have no doubt that Christopher will continue with great energy, passion and commitment to achieve fantastic results and draw upon the great experience he has amassed throughout his career. This will prove to be invaluable for the future growth and development of the business.”
