OSF adds to leadership team following ownership change

August 18, 2026 Summerland, B.C. – Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) BB #:337660 continues to strengthen its leadership and operations following its recent ownership change, the company has promoted two long-time employees and appointed a new VP of Sales and Marketing.

The promotions elevate Marcy Keehn to Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Administration and Dr. Muhammad Tahir to Vice President, Research and Regulatory. Additionally, Lance McGinn joins OSF as Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

The changes were announced by OSF CEO Neal Carter, who last month bought back the company he co-founded 30 years ago. OSF developed the groundbreaking nonbrowning Arctic apple and has expanded its use of advanced genetics, including genome editing, to continue innovating in the fresh produce sector.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such an accomplished leadership team to guide and grow OSF as it enters its next phase of development,” Carter said. “With these promotions and a new VP of Sales and Marketing, I’m confident of our continued success.”

McGinn came to OSF from Sandher Fruit Packers in Kelowna, British Columbia, where he served as managing director. Over his 25-year career he advanced from entry-level buying responsibilities to executive leadership roles driving national growth, market expansion and operational excellence within the Canadian produce industry.

“Lance’s proven track record in scaling organizations and building high-performing teams across sales, operations, logistics and marketing is a perfect fit for OSF,” Carter said. “It’s rare to encounter someone with a 100% customer retention rate, and we’re excited to add that expertise to the OSF team as we diversify and expand our presence in the Canadian market.”

Tahir, who joined OSF in 2020, earned a PhD in plant breeding and genetics from Washington State University. He has over 30 years of experience in plant breeding and navigating the regulatory process for genetically engineered crops. He is known for his leadership of agricultural science companies and delivering viable and profitable commercial products.

Tahir oversees OSF’s advanced genetics laboratory in Saskatoon, where the science team is using genome editing to introduce traits that benefit both consumers and producers into Arctic® apples and other fruits, such as cherries, berries and grapes. Some 2,000 square feet of greenhouse space and two diverse field test sites support OSF’s bench-to-field research capacity.

Keehn joined OSF in 2019 with more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Like McGinn, she is based in British Columbia. Keehn is a chartered professional of human resources with expertise in mediation, negotiation and conflict management. She holds a master’s degree in conflict analysis and management from Royal Roads University. Keehn is celebrated as a key driver of the positive corporate culture for which OSF is known.

“Marcy and Tahir have provided invaluable administrative, research and management support to OSF,” Carter said. “We are grateful for their congeniality, dedication and specialized skills as OSF enters an exciting new chapter.”

About OSF
Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF) is a world leader in tree fruit breeding and innovation, specializing in developing, cultivating, processing, and marketing novel tree fruit varieties through bioengineering, including genome editing. As a vertically integrated company, OSF is committed to advancing sustainable solutions that reduce food loss and waste while enhancing fruit consumption. Headquartered in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada, OSF was founded in 1996 by Neal and Louisa Carter and remains guided by its founders’ vision of using innovation to reduce food loss and waste while improving the consumer fruit experience. Its flagship product, Arctic apples, grown and processed in Washington, USA, offers a fresh-cut apple solution that stays orchard-fresh longer. OSF continues to push the boundaries of innovation with its latest venture, Endless Orchard Hard-Pressed Cider. For more information, visit www.arcticapples.com, https://endlessorchardcider.com/, or www.okspecialtyfruits.com. For investment opportunities, please contact info@osfruits.com.

Media Contact:
Rebecca Catlett
rcatlett@osfruits.com