KENT, OHIO – Smithers-Oasis Company, a worldwide leader in providing solutions throughout the plant and flower supply chain from propagation to consumer, announces the promotion of William (Bill) Riffey to general manager, grower operations – Americas, Europe and Africa. The organizational change is part of a strategic plan to significantly increase Smithers-Oasis’ brand Oasis®Grower Solutions’ sales through a channel-focused effort.
Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the position, Riffey has held the position of general manager, North America, Oasis Growers Solutions since 2015. In 2016 he was given additional responsibility for South America. Prior to joining Smithers-Oasis, Riffey held the positions of national sales and marketing manager at Pleasant View Gardens, Loudon, N.H., and vice president of sales and marketing, territory sales manager and customer service manager at Aris Horticulture Inc. (formerly Yoder Brothers), Barberton, Ohio.
In his new position, Riffey plans to leverage the existing locations of Smithers-Oasis to build local markets for Oasis Grower Solutions products. He also intends on developing the “Follow the Plants” strategy using technologies from Oasis® Grower Solutions, Oasis® Floral Products and Floralife® post-harvest products to provide insurance through the horticulture supply chain globally.
“The promotion of Bill Riffey is part of our strategic plan that we are confident will significantly increase Oasis Grower Solutions and Floralife global sales,” said Jim Daly, vice president, global Floralife and Grower operations and corporate research.
Riffey earned his bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from the University of Illinois and executive MBA from Kent State University.
Riffey resides in Akron, Ohio, with his wife, two children, two dogs and five cats. In his spare time, Riffey enjoys landscaping, vegetable gardening and remodeling his home.
Oasis® Grower Solutions horticulture products provide for the strong, healthy, clean start and post-harvest care and handling of plants and flowers throughout their life cycle to ensure the best user experience. The entire plant journey includes the breeder, propagator, growers, retailers, distributors and finally, the end consumer.