Hatco’s CEO To Retire This Week

David Rolston, who’s been with the Milwaukee-based manufacturer for 30 years, will remain on the company's board of directors.

April 3, 2024

Lorne Deacon (left) is set to become the next CEO of Hatco following David Rolston's retirement this Friday.

Hatco Corp. CEO David Rolston’s anticipated retirement is set for this Friday, April 5.

Rolston has been at Hatco for 30 years, including nearly two decades as its president and CEO. Beyond Hatco, Rolston has served on the NAFEM Board for several years and been engaged with NAFEM committee activities for over 15 years.

Now, as part of a previously announced succession plan, Lorne Deacon will be promoted to serve as president and CEO. Deacon has served as its president since June 2022.

Deacon initially joined Hatco in 2018 as director of global marketing and product development. He was promoted to vice president of global marketing in 2019, then VP in 2021.

Deacon has a degree in business marketing from the Haworth School of Business at Western Michigan University and an executive MBA from the Lubar College of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He started his career in the banking and financial sector, and joined the foodservice industry in 2013, serving in an executive role at Middleby Corp.

Hatco, based in Milwaukee, produces warming, toasting, holding, cooking, sanitizing and cooling equipment.