A pair of veteran executives that have been integral to the growth of Middleby as a leading manufacturer of have been rewarded with highly anticipated promotions within the company.
John Perruccio was named to the newly-created role of Middleby Group President, Strategic Channel Development. David Abi will succeed John as President of Southbend, based in Fuquay-Varina, N.C.
In his new role Perruccio will focus on developing initiatives and aligning dealer activities with a goal of accelerating growth with Middleby dealer partners. His responsibilities include spearheading dealer strategies and programs, leading dealer sales and training activities at the Middleby Innovation Kitchens in Dallas and launching new Middleby technologies and solutions into the marketplace with our partners. The Malden MA native will also continue to oversee Crown Steam Group.
Group President David Abi assumes leadership of Southbend, expanding his current responsibilities within Middleby. Earlier this year, David was named President of Glimek and Sveba Dahlen, a well-known European Middleby baking brand. Abi will oversee the three brands, with a focus on developing new product innovations and growth strategies. The duo will work closely together to ensure a smooth leadership transition at Southbend, which will be complete by the end of 2022.
“Middleby is committed to our dealer relationships and increasing the strategic nature in which we partner together to bring an elevated experience to the customer. The needs of our restaurant customers are rapidly evolving, both in terms of equipment solutions and support. Our dealer partnerships are a critical element of our strategy as we accelerate the pace of innovation into the marketplace,” said Tim FitzGerald, Middleby CEO. “John has played a critical role in building these relationships on behalf of all our brands during his long tenure at Middleby. He is highly respected by the dealer community and uniquely qualified to elevate the level of collaboration with our dealer partners. I am confident John will take our dealer partnerships to the next level.”
“I am also very excited to have David expanding his leadership role within Middleby as he takes the reigns at Southbend, one of the most recognized brands in our Middleby portfolio. David will be an immediate asset to Southbend and build upon his track record of success as we evolve the business for the future. His proven leadership and keen business acumen along with a history of delivering product innovation make him a tremendous fit at Southbend.”
John joined Middleby in 2003 and has held several senior management positions within the company, most recently Group President of Southbend, Crown, and Middleby Brand Sales. David joined the Middleby sales team in 2011 and was quickly promoted to leadership positions. Most recently he was President of Middleby brands of CookTek, Carter-Hoffmann, Doyon and Nu-Vu.
