The Middleby Corp.announced Magdy Albert has expanded his current role to President, Middleby Food Processing Group. The announcement was made in conjunction with the retirement of Ivo Cozzini from his position as Food Processing Group President, Sales.

“In his expanded role, Magdy’s proven leadership and industry expertise will continue to be an asset to the Food Processing Group,” said Selim A. Bassoul, Chief Executive of The Middleby Corp. “We certainly wish Ivo well in his future endeavors and thank him for his dedication and commitment to not only the Food Processing Group but all of the Middleby companies. Ivo has played a critical role in developing the Food Processing platform under Middleby and we are very pleased that he will actively continue in an advisory role assisting us with further business development and strategic activities.”

Prior to the announcement Albert held the position of Food Processing Group President, Operations. In his expanded role, Albert will direct and manage all sales and operational strategies for the Middleby Food Processing Group. Three executives who will be reporting to Albert at the group level are Stephen Nunn, Peter Samson and Mary Jane Hansen.

Nunn, Vice President of Sales, will be responsible for managing sales within the group. His responsibilities include the continued expansion of international sales and distribution offices as well as oversight of a newly established key account sales team. Prior to this position, Nunn was the President of Drake, a division of Middleby. Samson, who has been named President of Cozzini (see below), will also have responsibilities at the group level and facilitate oversight of operations at all of the divisions within the group. Also reporting to Albert is Mary Jane Hansen, Group Controller.

Cozzini will continue to be involved with Middleby as an advisor to the executive management team assisting with business development and acquisition strategies. Cozzini owns other unrelated businesses which he plans to also focus on in his retirement.

Samson promoted to president
Peter J. (“PJ”) Samson has been promoted to President of Cozzini LLC, a global leader in food processing equipment. Cozzini is a brand of The Middleby Corp. Food Processing Group. Samson will be responsible for the day-to-day sales and operations at Cozzini, based in Chicago. Samson will report directly to Albert.

“With more than 30 years of experience in the food processing industry, PJ’s extensive experience is an asset not only to Cozzini, but to all of the brands in the Food Processing Group,” said Albert. “His longstanding industry and customer relationships coupled with his proven leadership skills well-positions him to lead Cozzini’s continued growth.”

Prior to his promotion, Samson was the Executive Vice President for Cozzini since 2006. In this role he was responsible for the Cozzini Supply Chain as well as working closely with sales personnel in enhancing customer relationships. Prior to joining Cozzini, Samson held various executive management positions across multiple business, operational and engineering functions at both the plant and corporate level for Con Agra Foods, Oscar Mayer/Kraft Foods and Pechiney Plastic Packaging. Hegraduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.