In the fast-paced world of foodservice, staying ahead means constant evolution.
For decades, Hoshizaki has been at the forefront of this principle, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in commercial ice and refrigeration equipment.
By making strategic changes and responding to market demands, Hoshizaki ensures its customers receive innovative products and unmatched service.
“Adapting to the needs of our customers has always been at the core of our success,” said Scott Meyer, Vice President of Sales at Hoshizaki America. “We continually evaluate our strategies, products, and services to maintain our position as a market leader.”
Founded in 1947, Hoshizaki has built a name synonymous with quality and reliability. From ice machines to refrigeration units, the company has delivered groundbreaking products that meet the demands of foodservice professionals worldwide.
Hoshizaki America, headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, operates with a vision to combine cutting-edge technology with customer-first practices.
This commitment to innovation has been recognized repeatedly, including multiple ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence awards for energy efficiency. However, accolades alone are not enough. The company thrives on anticipating the needs of its clients and continuously refining its processes to deliver better results.
Hoshizaki America recently implemented several changes to strengthen its market position and improve customer service. These moves included key leadership promotions and the acquisition of Cannon Marketing, a longstanding distributor in the Southeastern United States.
The recent leadership changes highlight Hoshizaki’s focus on strategic growth and market expansion.
Anthony Ramkissoon was promoted to the newly created position of Director of Sales, Medical & Scientific. With 26 years of experience at Hoshizaki, Anthony has developed an unparalleled understanding of the highly regulated medical and scientific markets.
His ability to build strong relationships with decision-makers and deliver tailored solutions has been a key factor in his success. “Anthony’s expertise in these specialized markets will allow us to expand into new areas and reinforce Hoshizaki’s leadership in ice and refrigeration,” said Meyer.
Steve Wright was promoted to Director of Strategic Dealers after excelling as Manager of Strategic Dealers. Over the past three years, Steve has demonstrated a remarkable ability to foster strong customer relationships and optimize program performance.
His innovative approach and commitment to driving growth make him an ideal leader for Hoshizaki’s dealer initiatives. “Steve’s deep industry knowledge and passion for customer success have been instrumental in strengthening our partnerships,” Meyer noted.
With over 28 years of experience, Kelly Marincik has been promoted to Senior Director of Strategic Sales. In her previous role as Director of Strategic Accounts Management, Kelly distinguished herself by building lasting relationships with key national accounts.
Her proactive approach and holistic strategic planning have been crucial to Hoshizaki’s success in growing its business. “Kelly’s dedication to understanding her clients’ needs and delivering results sets the stage for continued growth,” Meyer said.
At the Hoshizaki Alliance, Jim Kuo was appointed Senior Vice President of Operations Excellence for the Americas Region. A 26-year veteran of Hoshizaki, Jim has a proven track record of driving operational improvements.
His new role will involve overseeing efficiency initiatives across all Hoshizaki Alliance factories. “Jim’s operational expertise will further our commitment to delivering high-quality products while improving internal processes,” said Chris Karssiens, President of the Americas Region.
Rod Johnson was promoted to Senior Director of Import Products, tasked with leading the strategic import plan for the Hoshizaki Alliance.
With decades of experience in the foodservice equipment industry, Rod brings a wealth of knowledge that will drive the company’s import operations. “Rod’s expertise will help us expand our product catalog and strengthen synergies across the Alliance,” Karssiens remarked.
Earlier this month, Hoshizaki completed its acquisition of Cannon Marketing, Inc. (CMI), integrating it into the Hoshizaki Southeastern Distribution Center. This strategic move strengthens Hoshizaki’s distribution network in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee.
Allan Dziwoki, President of Hoshizaki America, noted, “This acquisition aligns with our mission to enhance the supply chain and improve value for our customers. By bringing CMI into the fold, Hoshizaki can better serve its partners with faster delivery times and improved customer support.”
Hoshizaki’s approach to business emphasizes more than just product quality; it’s about building lasting relationships. The recent organizational changes are a clear reflection of its customer-first philosophy, ensuring the company’s products and services continue to set the gold standard in the industry.
In addition to expanding leadership and bolstering distribution, Hoshizaki continues to invest heavily in research and development. The company is exploring advanced refrigeration technologies and smarter ice-making solutions to meet the evolving demands of modern foodservice operations.
“Every decision we make is centered on our customers’ needs,” said Karssiens. “By constantly innovating, we ensure that our products help our clients run their businesses more efficiently.”
As Hoshizaki continues to grow, its focus remains on driving meaningful change. From offering more sustainable equipment to expanding training programs for its partners, the company is committed to equipping foodservice professionals with the tools they need to thrive.
“Our customers can look forward to best-in-class service, innovative products, and the reliability that Hoshizaki has been known for globally,” concluded Meyer.
Learn more at Hoshizaki’s website.
