Welbilt Makes 4 Executive Promotions

New Port Richey, Fla.-based Welbilt, an Ali Group company, announced four executive promotions, naming new general managers for Convotherm U.S. and Merrychef U.S., a new president for Frymaster and a new vice president of sales for the Americas.

Martin Huddleston was named general manager of Convotherm U.S., where he will lead all U.S. sales, service and support activities. In 2005, Huddleston joined Lincoln Foodservice, supporting business development for Lincoln, Merco and Merrychef before becoming sales manager of accelerated cooking technology and then director of the culinary sales team. Since 2020, he served as vice president of sales and general manager for Eloma North America, an Ali Group company.

Garamy Whitmore was elevated to general manager of Merrychef U.S., where he will lead all U.S. sales, service and support activities. Whitmore joined Welbilt in 2005 and has held various sales and culinary leadership roles. He most recently served as area vice president of the central region, providing key account and channel leadership for Welbilt’s portfolio of brands.

Brian Holdrich was appointed president of Frymaster, succeeding Todd Phillips, who is retiring. Holdrich will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the company. Holdrich joined Kolpak in 2009 as vice president of sales and marketing and since held roles in sales, marketing, operations and customer service for Welbilt’s portfolio throughout the North and South America markets. He most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas.

Jim Courtright now will become vice president of sales for the Americas for Welbilt, where he will oversee U.S.-aligned representative groups and buying groups. He also will be responsible for sales in North and South America. Courtright joined Scotsman Ice Systems in 1994 and has held various roles, including management of sales for the Enodis brands from 2001-2009. He most recently served as vice president of global accounts at Scotsman Ice.