One of the nation's largest private frozen food companies,Rich Products Corp., Buffalo, N.Y., said it will recast its global organization structure, effective January 1, 2012. In conjunction, the company also announced senior executive appointments.

President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Gisel said Rich’s is transitioning from a dual business group structure, North America and International, to one organization consisting of five regional business units: U.S./Canada, Asia/Pacific, Latin America, Europe/Middle East and South Africa.

“The timing is right for this next step in our organizational evolution,” said Gisel. “During the past 20 years, we have made considerable investments in our business infrastructure and built significant workforces across the world. The logical transition to one universal business group with regional governance supports the fact that we’re now truly a global enterprise.”

“This move will strengthen our ability to share our global business and in-market expertise with our customers, delivering trends and ideas from around the world that will help them be more successful,” Gisel continued.  “It also will enhance the development opportunities we offer to our associates across our company.”

Executive strategic leadership team
Rich’s said its Executive Strategic Leadership Team (ESLT) will continue to report to Gisel and maintain accountability for Rich’s portfolio of businesses, financial controls and risk management, organizational development and worldwide reputation. The following are key position and responsibility changes for Rich’s ESLT members:  

Rich's promotedRichard Ferrantito executive vice president and chief operating officer. Ferranti most recently served as president of Rich’s North America Business Group. Now he will manage Rich’s five regional businesses.  A Rich’s associate since 1986, Ferranti previously spent 10 years as president of Rich’s International Business Group prior to his North America leadership role.

Rich's name Kevin Malchoff to a new role as executive vice president of global business development. Officials said Malchoff, who most recently served as president of Rich’s International Business Group, will advance strategies, capabilities and processes needed to accelerate new business across the globe.

Concurrent with this announcement, Chairman Bob Rich, Jr. noted that Rich's also appointed Malchoff to the company’s Board of Directors.

Jim Deuschle, Rich’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, will assume additional responsibility for the company’s global procurement. Officials said he will replace Bill Gillmore, Rich’s chief procurement officer, who will retire effective April 1, 2012.

Rich's saidMaureen Hurley, Rich’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, will continue to oversee the company’s legal, communications and human resources functions. Hurley also is take on added responsibilities for global HR activities. 

Rich Products is a leading supplier to the foodservice, in-store bakery and retail marketplaces. The company boasts annual sales of more than $2.9 billion, employs more than 8,000 people worldwide, with more than 50 locations spanning six continents. Rich’s is the world leader in non-dairy toppings, icings and other emulsions.  Other key product categories include cakes and desserts; pizza; bakery products; breads and rolls; shrimp and seafood; appetizers and snacks; BBQ; meatballs and pasta, and gluten-free and all-natural items, cooking creams; and soaks and syrups.