Movers and Shakers The right people in the right roles can make all the difference


PROBAT appoints new CEO for North American operations


Following the recent announcement of the consolidation of its U.S. operations into a centralized site in Dallas, Texas, the globally operating PROBAT Group has announced the appointment of Ryan Dodd as new Chief Executive Officer North America effective April 20, 2026. He succeeds Ellen Nielsen, who will continue to play a key role within the organization as Chief Financial Officer North America. With more than 23 years of experience in the mechanical engineering industry, Ryan Dodd brings a strong background in organizational leadership, strategy, and business development. As CEO North America, he will drive PROBAT’s continued expansion in the region while also leading the global sales strategy for the nuts and snacks business, in line with the Group’s mission to deliver sustainable turnkey solutions for the food processing industry. “By restructuring our leadership


for PROBAT in North America and bringing key functions together at our new location in Dallas, we are


Ryan Dodd


laying the foundation for a more agile, closely connected and future oriented organization. This step enables us to think and act as one team, accelerate innovation and unlock the full potential of our group companies. I am confident that Ryan Dodd, with his strategic mindset and strong leadership capabilities, will inspire our North American organization and play a key role in shaping the next chapter of PROBAT’s growth,” says Wim Abbing, CEO of PROBAT Group. Ellen Nielsen, who previously served


as CEO North America, has decided to step down from the role after careful consideration. She will shift her focus to the consolidation initiatives and financial priorities that are critical for the Group of companies during the coming period. “We would like to sincerely thank Ellen for her dedication and outstanding leadership over the past years as CEO of our North American operations. We are pleased to continue our close collaboration with her in her new role,” adds Wim Abbing.


Henley Bridge appoints new sales members


Ingredients supplier Henley Bridge has strengthened its field-based sale force with two key appointments. The sales team now comprises 11


Business Development Managers, whose remit is to help increase company turnover to £50million by 2030 and continue to further build solid customers relationships. The latest additions to the team are


Vanessa Bailes, who left her role as field sales manager for Total Foodservice and Miller Foodservice for 18 years to join Henley Bridge. She will be looking after wholesale groups in the North of England. She comments: “I was familiar with


Henley Bridge in my previous job, and I have always admired them as a business and loved the quality of their product portfolio. Their customer service and internal sales is stand-out, and the company values align with my own, so it was an ideal fit for me.” Joining her on the team is Charlotte


Penwill, who has over 10 years’ industry experience and spent the last two and half years working at Classic Fine Foods. She will be supporting wholesalers in the South West. She comments: “I’m so excited to get


started. Henley Bridge have always been the nicest people to deal with.”


Vanessa Bailes & Charlotte Penwill


82 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • APRIL 2026


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