Appointments

This strategic move is aimed at boosting the company’s customer care and technical sales capabilities as the global baking industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability, automation, and long-term lifecycle support for equipment.

The move comes as the company continues to navigate a challenging consumer environment shaped by shifting demand, inflationary pressures and a highly competitive grocery market.

By bringing in experienced leaders with diverse expertise, ABA aims to deepen its engagement with stakeholders while advancing policy initiatives that support innovation and sustainability in the baking industry.

Gestat succeeds Thomas Lesaffre, who has been nominated to lead Fermentis, the group’s business unit focused on beverages and fermentation for the wine, beer, and spirits industries.

The leadership shift comes at a pivotal moment as Middleby prepares for the spin-off of its Food Processing business, which is expected to be completed by the end Q2 2026.