Vollrath Announces Retirement, New Appointment

After 18 years with Vollrath, Paul Egbert is ready to hang up his hat.

Egbert works as the manufacturer’s vice president of product and market strategy, spearheading new product development and marketing initiatives. Prior to this role, he led product management and marketing communications. He also has been involved with NAFEM, serving on its Board of Directors, the Market Studies Committee, the Trade Show Advisory Council, plus its ITR Data Working Group and the Size & Shape of the Industry Study Working Group.

“Paul’s leadership and vision have been invaluable to Vollrath, and we are grateful for his dedication over the years,” says Brian Hedlund, senior vice president of Vollrath Foodservice. “We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Transitioning In

As Egbert readies to retire, Jon Ropella will step into the role, working as vice president of strategy and product management. Ropella has served as Vollrath’s senior director of strategy and business development since 2023.

Now, he will assume leadership of the product management team while continuing his responsibilities in strategy and corporate development. “His expanded role will focus on driving Vollrath’s strategic growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with evolving market demands, and delivering innovative solutions to customers,” says a release.

Before joining Vollrath, Ropella held strategic roles at Oshkosh Corporation, leading mergers and acquisitions, business development and strategic planning initiatives.

“With his strategic and collaboration-focused mindset and extensive experience, Jon is well-positioned to lead our product and market strategy efforts,” Hedlund says. “We are confident that his leadership will advance our mission to provide innovative solutions to the foodservice industry while maintaining our strong market position.”

Ropella and Egbert will work closely in the coming months.