Rational Names New North American Key Accounts VP

Rational announced that it has elevated Justin Harkey to vice president of key accounts for North America.

Harkey will be based in the Chicago area and oversee the Rational national and regional key Account teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Harkey joined the company in 2018 as director of key accounts for North America. He has more than 17 years of experience in foodservice and lodging, including over a decade in restaurant and hotel group operations, Rational said in a statement. Most recently, he held executive roles at Intercontinental Hotels Group in Atlanta and First Hospitality Group in Chicago.

The company said that in his new role Harkey will guide the key account organization as it advances relationships, accessibility and outreach to multi-unit customers in the foodservice, lodging, grocery and convenience retailing industries.

It also said that Harkey will continue to serve as the lodging industry expert for Rational North America, with his in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing hotels, motels, resorts and independent inns in a demanding market.

“We are excited to welcome Justin to the executive leadership team and look forward to him developing innovative new sales strategies as he delivers counsel and culinary solutions to our key accounts,” said Markus Glueck, executive vice president of Rational North America. “With the right team, we are able to provide our customers with the most innovative solutions and hands-on service, as we position our own organization for sustainable growth.”