Business Notes Of Interest

Welbilt UK has realigned its sales structure to create a single point of responsibility on interaction with customers. Alistair Farquhar named as Channel Manager for Distribution & Specifications. He’ll manage regional sales managers in aiding dealers to win spec business in the UK. Paul Patel brings a decade of company experience and a culinary background to devise strategies for the Convotherm brand. Sales Director Steve Hemsil takes on further duties overseeing the customer service and marketing team.

Associated Food Equipment announced that Otto Abad Jr. has purchased the shares of Stephen Horlock to become the sole owner of the Gulfport, Miss., dealer. Horlock will retire effective December 21, after more than 30 years at the company. Since its founding in 1981, Associated has grown to four locations in Louisiana and Mississippi under the guidance of Horlock, Abad, and Robert Barnes, a founding partner who passed away earlier this year. 

Dunkin Brands has tapped 16-year company veteran John Varughese to lead business outside the U.S. as its new Senior V.P.-International. Varughese, who previously was v.p.-international, replaces Nigel Travis, who had served as interim head of international for nine months and continues in his current role as Dunkin’ Brands chairman. Varughese is credited with helping launch new international store designs at both Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins brands, and facilitating 150 new store openings in 10 countries around the world. He’ll report directly to Dunkin’ Brands CEO and U.S. President Dave Hoffman.

Women’s Foodservice Forum has named Greg Creed, CEO of Yum! Brands, as an Industry Titan for his leadership and commitment to driving gender equity, investment in the future of women leaders, and notable impact on the food industry. 

Vulcan/ITW FEG’s Versatile Chef Station was the winner of the Editors’ Choice Award for best new foodservice equipment and supplies product at November’s HX: The Hotel Experience. Four other exhibitors were recognized within the categories of food and beverage, guest amenities and services, hotel products, and technology. More than 5,500 hospitality professionals attended HX at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York; the show had more than 300 exhibitors displaying products and services.