ASSOCIATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS:
International Association for Cold Storage Construction (IACSC), Alexandria, Va.
This core partner of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) elected new officers and board members. For instance, Wade Hudson, president of Cold Storage Construction Services Inc., was elected as the 2013-2014 chairman of the IACSC board of directors. Erik Gunderson, executive vice president of Primus Builders, was elected vice chairman. And, Brian King, partner at AM King Construction, was elected treasurer. Newly-elected members of the IACSC board of directors include Marko Dzeletovich, president, Coldbox Builders and Vince Free, project manager, SubZero Constructors, Inc.
PROCESSORS/RETAILERS:
The Kroger Co., Cincinnati
Mark Tuffin was promoted to senior vice president of retail divisions, succeeding Michael Ellis, who will become Kroger's president and COO, effective Jan. 1, 2014. Tuffin has been president of the company's Smith's Food and Drug Stores division since 2011. He brings more than 32 years of grocery industry experience to his new role, and has led Kroger's efforts to implement significant organizational changes between all areas of the business.
SUPPLIERS:
Integrated Systems Design & Andersen Material Handling, Wixom, Mich.
Tom Wolsos, a veteran warehouse automation expert, was promoted to the newly created position of channel director, responsible for both internal and partner channel activities related to the design, development and implementation of automated warehouse, manufacturing and distribution systems, including ISD's complete line of automated UltraProducts. Previously, Wolsos worked as a senior account executive for ISD, sales manager for Siemens Dematic and sales and GM for J.B. Webb Co. He has also been active in the Rack Manufacturers Institute, Material Handling Institute and Material Handling Equipment Dealers Association (MHEDA) organizations.
Avure Technologies, Inc., Franklin, Tenn.
Jeff Williams was named chief executive officer of the HPP equipment and services division. Williams has held various roles at R.A. Jones & Co. for 25 years, most recently as vice president of sales and marketing (2009-2013). He has a rich background in the global food and beverage industry and vast experience in packaging, automation and product and business development. Meanwhile, Jan Söderström will assume the position of chief executive officer of the Avure industrial division, having directed the strategic division of Avure Technologies into two separate entities.
JBT Corp., Chicago
Torbjorn Arvidsson, vice president and division manager of the food solutions and services division, announced his retirement, effective July 2014. During his 28 years with JBT and its predecessors, Arvidsson has served in a variety of business development and management roles. As a result, Steve Smith will assume an expanded role overseeing all of the company’s global operations as vice president and division manager of JBT FoodTech. Additionally, John Lee, vice president and division manager, JBT AeroTech, is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Tom Giacomini, president and CEO, will take over those responsibilities in lieu of naming Lee's replacement.
Breakthrough Fuel, Green Bay, Wis.
Kelly Williams was hired as vice president, go-to-market, responsible for new business development and growth through product development, new client relationships and sales process management. Prior to joining the firm, Williams worked as a general manager for national accounts for Schneider National, Inc., where he was responsible for delivering strategic and tactical leadership for commercial national accounts, including sales, customer service, pricing, new business implementation, customer satisfaction and retention. She was also responsible for generating incremental revenue opportunities and driving profitable growth.
