The Middleby Corporation has announced the retirement of chief operating officer David Brewer, effective end of 2021. After joining the company in 2006, Brewer went on to hold hold senior management positions before being appointed chief operating officer.
During his tenure with Middleby, he has offered key insights and strategic counsel in more than 50 acquisitions completed across three business platforms. He was part of the leadership team responsible for revenue increases from $400m in 2006 to nearly $3bn and has played a key role within the investment community, sharing his perspectives on the industry trends driving customers.
“Dave has been an incredible asset to Middleby for more than 15 years and will continue to be actively involved in our strategic initiatives until the end of the year. His deep industry knowledge together with his successful product engineering track record have been instrumental in transforming Middleby into the innovative leader the company is today,” said Middleby CEO Tim FitzGerald. “He is recognized as a trusted partner within our industry and has built long-standing, personal customer relationships that will benefit Middleby for years to come.”
New executive roles
In simultaneous announcements, James K. Pool III and Steve Spittle were named officers of Middleby and will share Brewer’s responsibilities as he transitions to retirement during 2021. Pool has been named chief technology and operations officer while Spittle has been appointed chief commercial officer. The three executives have worked closely together for more than 10 years.
“I am excited to announce the addition of James and Steve to the executive team, further strengthening our leadership as we continue to transform our business,” said Fitzgerald. “These new executive roles will enhance our focus as we accelerate the introduction of technology solutions to the industry and innovate the customer experience in a rapidly-changing market.”
Pool and Spittle will also continue to have responsibility for the portfolio of cooking and technology brands within the Commercial Foodservice Group.
Brewer said they will be driving forward a company in rude health. “Middleby has built a culture and strategy that has been embraced by the marketplace. I am proud to be a part of a leadership team that continually delivers innovative solutions for customers in all of our businesses. Middleby is strategically well-prepared for the future and well-positioned for success in 2021 and beyond,” he said.
“I have worked with James and Steve for many years along with our highly-capable group presidents and I’m extremely confident in their leadership. I am grateful to be part of this highly respected, incredibly talented and dedicated leadership team. I am also completely confident that Middleby will continue to deliver meaningful innovation to our customers and value to shareholders in both the near term and in years to come.”
Other organizational changes
In other moves, Korey Kohl has been appointed to lead the Middleby Beverage Group and Najib Maalouf to lead the Middleby Residential Kitchen Equipment Group.
Group Presidents John Perruccio and Jeremy Dobrowolski, in addition to their brand management responsibilities, will lead strategic selling and service initiatives in the Commercial Foodservice Segment.
George Koether has been promoted to group president leading the Middleby business operations in Asia.
Finally, Martin Lindsay, who has served as the company treasurer since 1999 and is an existing officer of Middleby, has been appointed to chief risk and administration Officer.
“I am extremely pleased to make these announcements, which reflect a natural progression of our organization. We are dedicated to developing leadership talent across the entire organization, and I believe these internal promotions validate the success of our efforts,” concluded Fitzgerald. “Among the greatest Middleby attributes and leading our competitive advantage is the strength and dedication of our talented people. I am proud to work alongside a proven, enthusiastic and dynamic leadership team that is exceptionally committed to our employees, customers and shareholders.”
Photo, L-R: David Brewer, James Pool, Steve Spittle
