Hoshizaki Alliance Promotes 2 Leaders

Hoshizaki Alliance has made two promotions to its Americas Region leadership team, effective January 1. The group of manufacturers comprises Jackson WWS, Hoshizaki America, Lancer Worldwide, Macom and Fogel.

Jim Kuo will hold the title of senior vice president, operations excellence. A 26-year veteran of Hoshizaki, Kuo currently holds the position of senior vice president, manufacturing and engineering at Hoshizaki America. In his new role, Kuo will report to Chris Karssiens, president of the Americas Region, and will be responsible for driving operational improvement across all Hoshizaki Alliance factories.

Meanwhile, Rod Johnson will step up as senior director, import products. He currently holds the title of senior director of strategic sales for Hoshizaki America. In his new role, Johnson also will report to Karssiens, and will be responsible for the strategic import plan into the Hoshizaki Alliance group of companies.

“The need for, and creation, of these new roles clearly demonstrates the Alliance’s success and commitment to growth,” says Karssiens in the release. “Jim has been instrumental in advancing our commitment to operational efficiency, and I am confident his proven track record will undoubtedly continue as he takes his leadership to the Americas Region. Rod’s extensive industry experience and expertise will drive cohesiveness and success as we expand the Hoshizaki product catalog and forge powerful synergies among the Alliance companies.”