The Vollrath Company, a leader in the commercial foodservice equipment industry, announces the retirement of Paul Egbert (pictured, right), vice president of product and market Strategy, after more than 18 years of dedicated service. Stepping into this role is Jon Ropella (pictured, left), who has been appointed vice president of strategy and product management.
As part of this transition, Ropella will assume leadership of the product management team while continuing his responsibilities in strategy and corporate development. His expanded role will focus on driving Vollrath’s strategic growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with evolving market demands, and delivering innovative solutions to customers.
“With his strategic and collaboration-focused mindset and extensive experience, Jon is well-positioned to lead our product and market strategy efforts,” said Brian Hedlund, senior vice president of Vollrath Foodservice. “We are confident that his leadership will advance our mission to provide innovative solutions to the foodservice industry while maintaining our strong market position.”
A wealth of experience
Ropella brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having served as senior director of strategy and business development at Vollrath since 2023. Before joining Vollrath, he held key strategic roles at Oshkosh Corporation, leading mergers and acquisitions, business development and strategic planning initiatives.
Paul Egbert has played a pivotal role in shaping Vollrath’s product and market strategy, spearheading new product development and marketing initiatives that have fueled the company’s profitable growth. Throughout his tenure, he transitioned from leading product management and marketing communications to overseeing broader business development efforts, ultimately driving Vollrath’s strategic product direction.
His impact extends beyond Vollrath through his active involvement with NAFEM (North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers). He has contributed significantly by serving on the NAFEM Board of Directors, the Market Studies Committee and the Trade Show Advisory Council (TSAC). He was also actively engaged in NAFEM’s ITR Data Working Group and the Size & Shape of the Industry Study Working Group, helping to provide valuable insights and shape industry standards.
“Paul’s leadership and vision have been invaluable to Vollrath, and we are grateful for his dedication over the years,” Hedlund added. “We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Ropella and Egbert will work closely in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.
Further details:
Founded in 1874 and based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, The Vollrath Company is a privately held, family-owned and, today, a six- and seventh-generation woman-owned company. It has nine factories spread across the United States, Europe and China that manufacture products to exacting quality standards globally, backed by outstanding customer service. The company focuses on quality design, engineering and manufacturing across its business divisions for foodservice and custom and specialty products. For more information, visit vollrathcompany.com.
