Movers and Shakers The right people in the right roles can make all the difference MECATHERM appoints global supply chain head
MECATHERM has appointed Alyson Slapkauskas as Head of Global Supply Chain & Operational Excellence, expanding her leadership responsibilities within the group. Slapkauskas will continue in her current role
as CEO for North America for the ABI Ltd and MECATHERM brands while taking on oversight of supply chain strategy and operational excellence at group level. Based in Toronto, she will lead the
development of global supply chain operations while supporting coordination across MECATHERM and ABI’s international teams. The companies operate across multiple sites in France, the United States, Canada and Poland,
serving customers in more than 75 countries. The appointment
forms part of MECATHERM’s wider strategy focused on oper ational efficiency and strengthening customer relationships across its global network. Commenting on her appointment,
Slapkauskas said: “I am deeply honoured by this appointment and would like to thank
Raymond Nogael for his trust. By relying on the expertise of our teams, I am determined to support the growth of MECATHERM and ABI, with the ambition of creating sustainable and meaningful value, placing customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.” Raymond Nogael, president of
MECATHERM and chief executive officer of TMG, added: “I am honoured to entrust Alyson with this expanded scope of responsibility. Her
proven leadership, unwavering commitment, and strong culture of operational excellence represent invaluable assets for our teams and will significantly contribute to the group’s long- term performance.”
Middleby names CEO for food processing spin-off
The Middleby Corporation has appointed Mark Salman as Chief Executive Officer of its food processing business ahead of its planned spin-off in the second quarter of 2026. Salman currently serves as president
of the company’s Food Processing Group (FPG) and will assume the CEO role once the business becomes an independent publicly listed company. He will continue leading the division during the separation process. The company also announced that Mark Bowie will join the
new business as chief operating officer following completion of the transaction. Middleby said the appointments are part of a wider restructuring
designed to create three independent businesses focused on foodservice, food processing and residential kitchen equipment. “Mark has been instrumental in building our Food Processing
business into the industry-leading platform it is today,” said Tim FitzGerald, Chief Executive of Middleby. “His deep understanding of our customers’ needs, proven track record of operational excellence, and strategic vision make him the ideal leader to guide this business through its transformation into an independent public company.” Salman has led the Food Processing Group since 2018,
overseeing the integration of 16 acquisitions and expansion of the division’s revenue from around $390 million in 2018 to $850 million in 2025. The business develops automated processing solutions for sectors including protein, bakery and snacks. Commenting on the appointment, Salman said: “I am
honoured to lead this exceptional team and business as we embark on this exciting new chapter. As an independent company, we will have enhanced focus and flexibility to accelerate our growth strategy and continue delivering the innovative solutions our customers depend on.”
Flowers Foods appoints Simple Mills president
Flowers Foods has appointed Michelle Lorge as president of Simple Mills, succeeding founder Katlin Smith, who is stepping down to spend more time with her family and pursue philanthropic interests. Smith will remain with the company in an advisory role. Lorge will report to Ryals McMullian, chairman and chief executive of Flowers Foods. Announcing the appointment, McMullian said: “Michelle has been instrumental in shaping Simple Mills into the mission-driven, high- growth brand it is today. Her deep understanding of the business, strong leadership skills and unwavering commitment to the company’s purpose make her exceptionally well suited to lead Simple Mills into its next chapter.” Lorge has worked at Simple Mills for 11 years and most recently served as chief marketing, innovation and mission officer, overseeing
product innovation, marketing and sustainability initiatives. Commenting on her
new role, Lorge said: “I am honoured to step into this role and continue the incredible work Katlin started. Simple Mills was founded on a belief that food can have a profound impact on human and planetary health.” Reflecting on the
transition, Smith added: “Michelle has been by my side shaping Simple Mills for many years and is deeply aligned with the mission and values that define who we are.”
38 • KENNEDY’S BAKERY PRODUCTION • FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026
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