Alto-Shaam is announcing a transition in leadership in its international business. Mark Kreple, senior vice president of international sales, is moving into a consulting role with the company.
Kreple has successfully led the development and management of Alto-Shaam’s international business during the past 11 years. Under Kreple’s leadership, international sales nearly tripled in volume and saw the restructuring of business in Canada, the expansion of sales through Alto-Shaam Germany, the establishment of Alto-Shaam China, and the addition of sales representative offices in Moscow, Manila and Mexico City.
“We want to thank Mark for his contribution in growing our international divisions,” said Steve Maahs, President and Chief Operating Officer of Alto-Shaam. “Mark’s leadership has strengthened our company’s business globally and has positioned us for ongoing growth. Mark is a valuable resource for our company, and we are grateful for his ongoing assistance as we plan future business expansion opportunities.”
Kreple started as a consultant on Monday, June 1, transferring leadership responsibilities to Matthew Cottrell, who is being promoted to vice president of international sales. Cottrell has more than 20 years of experience in the foodservice industry, including spending the last two years serving as vice president of international sales-Europe, Middle East and Africa for Alto-Shaam.
Cottrell has been responsible for business development for Alto-Shaam Germany, France and Italy, and independent sales representatives and distributors for the Benelux, Russian Federation and former Eastern Bloc countries. He also developed and implemented strategic initiatives for growing Alto-Shaamʼs business, as well as the distribution and dealer market, in the European, Middle East and African markets.
“As part of Alto-Shaam’s ongoing succession planning, we have identified Matthew as a proven sales leader who has significant experience working with international accounts,” Maahs said. “Our customers will continue to receive the high level of service they have come to expect from Alto-Shaam during this transition period.
Cottrell can be reached at matthewc@alto-shaam.com.
Celebrating 60 Years of Foodservice Innovation
Alto-Shaam has pioneered innovative foodservice solutions for 60 years. The company was incorporated on Jan. 26, 1955, and has led the industry in providing quality commercial cooking solutions. Key innovations include the invention of Halo Heat® technology to hold hot food. Halo Heat eventually led to the creation of the Cook & Hold oven, a revolutionary cooking method that created better quality food and reduced labor. Alto-Shaam also introduced combination convection-steamer ovens in the U.S.
Alto-Shaam continues to innovate in the foodservice industry by continuously improving products to meet customer needs and increase customers’ return on investment.
About Alto-Shaam, Inc.
Alto-Shaam’s corporate headquarters, worldwide manufacturing facility, Culinary Institute and Technical Institute are based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. For 60 years, Alto-Shaam has been a recognized leader and innovator in the global commercial foodservice equipment industry. With a core business in primary cooking equipment, Alto-Shaam offers an expanded product portfolio that includes award-winning Combitherm® ovens, Halo-Heat® cook & hold ovens, Xcelerate® Hi-Speed ovens, smoker ovens, heated holding technologies, heated display and merchandising solutions, QuickChiller™ rapid chill units, FryTech™ high-efficiency fryers, rotisserie ovens, convection ovens, and drop-in heated and refrigerated fixture components. Alto-Shaam is also the industry leader in providing integrated food production systems for cook/chill, banqueting and rethermalization applications.
