Check out who’s movin’ on up in the refrigerated and frozen food sector.


Oakhurst Dairy, Portland, Maine
John H. Bennett, the third brother in the third generation of the Bennett family and the company’s current executive vice president and COO, andThomas A. Brigham, executive vice president and CFO, will be named co-presidents following a meeting of the board of directors in April. As originally planned, president and CEOWilliam P. Bennett plans to transition from day-to-day operations, but will maintain an active role in the company’s management as chairman of the board. Over the last year, following the death of Stanley T. Bennett II, who served as president and CEO for nearly 30 years, brothers Bill and John Bennett have worked closely together to run the company. As co-presidents, Bennett and Brigham will oversee the operations and actions of Oakhurst Dairy, responsible for the company’s production, quality, logistics and IT functions, as well as the sales, marketing, accounting, financial and administrative areas, respectively.

Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries, owner of Marie Callender's brand, Memphis, Tenn.
Jeffrey Warnewas appointed chief executive officer, effective April 9, taking over forJoseph "Jay" Trungale, who will be stepping down after eight years with the company. Warne has more than 13 years of experience in casual dining, having served as the president and CEO of O'Charley's Inc. and in numerous leadership roles with Carlson Cos., Inc., Pick Up Stix, TGI Friday's International and Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.


Key Technology, Inc., Walla Walla, Wash.
Steve Pellegrinowas promoted to vice president of sales, responsible for growing the company’s sales in North America, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Specifically, he will plan and manage the regional and inside sales activities that bring Key’s automated inspection, specialized conveying and product preparation systems to the market. Pellegrino has been with Key since 2000. Most recently, he was senior director of U.S. and Canada sales, a role that expanded to include all North American sales and corporate sales operations. Prior to joining Key, he spent 20 years with FMC Corp. in their food handling equipment operations.

Atlas Copco Compressors, LLC, Rock Hills, S.C.
Tom Poot was appointed business line manager for oil-free products in the United States. Poot joined Atlas Copco in 1998 as a project engineer. He was promoted to project leader within the same group in 2002 before serving as engineering manager of oil-free air from 2004-2008. Poot returned to oil-free air marketing in 2008 as the product marketing manager for Atlas Copco’s line of large Z compressors.

Pilgrim Software, Inc., Tampa, Fla.
Ron Kozlinwas named chief financial officer, responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing all financial aspects and growth objectives, including business plans, budgets, financial reporting, analysis and planning, accounting and legal and contracts. Kozlin brings extensive senior-level domestic and international financial leadership, including specific experience in the software and technology industries. Prior to joining Pilgrim, Kozlin was chief financial officer of Fortress Technologies, Inc.

Stellar, Jacksonville, Fla.
Danny Bazemorewas named regional accounts and sales manager, refrigeration services, responsible for servicing existing refrigeration accounts as well as working to secure new contracts. Bazemore brings 35 years of experience to his new role.Bassem Khoury was appointed electrical engineer, food and beverage facility services, responsible for providing electrical engineering services for food and beverage manufacturing facilities.Brian Kirleyis the new mechanical engineer, refrigeration services, brings strong hands-on experience and HVAC system knowledge to his new role.Erin Metcalf is the new project engineer, food and beverage facility services, providing process engineering services for food and beverage manufacturers. Meanwhile,Otto Rosasco was hired as project manager, refrigeration services, bringing two decades of experience, including estimating, procurement, schedule management and financial responsibilities.Bhaumik Tandelis the new electrical engineer, Stellar energy. Lastly,Roger Womackwas named quality assurance engineer, refrigeration services, acting as the commissioning agent for utility equipment installations. Womack is a licensed plumbing and piping contractor in six states, and is responsible for visiting job sites to ensure piping and equipment are installed according to specifications.