Bronx, N.Y.-based Baldor Specialty Foods, which distributes throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, has promoted two executives as a way of streamlining the rollout of future initiatives.
“As we emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever, Baldor intends to accelerate growth plans,” CEO TJ Murphy said in a news release. “Towards that end, we’re calling on the business talents of two exceptional executives who helped see Baldor through some very tough times.”
Previously senior vice president of procurement, Gene Mayer was promoted to chief operating officer. Mayer will oversee global operations and strengthen Baldor’s infrastructure for growth. Also, he will drive innovation in warehouse management, supply chain activities and new business ventures. He’s been with the company for 17 years.
Previously vice president of sales and marketing, Benjamin Walker was promoted to senior vice president of sales, marketing and merchandising. Walker has driven several successful programs at Baldor, most recently the company’s pivot to a home-delivery model during the pandemic, digitization efforts and retail growth.
One of Walker’s first tasks will be restructuring Baldor’s merchandising team to further align sales and product strategies.
“As the food services industry continues to rebound, we are finding our customers want to deepen their relationship with us and purchase more of our product portfolio,” Walker said in the release. “Investing in our merchandising function is the next logical step in ensuring we live up to and exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Also, Baldor president Michael Muzyk has transitioned from chairman to outgoing chairman of United Fresh Produce Association after overseeing the United Fresh-Produce Marketing Association merger. Muzyk will now work with Walker on strengthening grower-shipper relations and accelerating expansion plans.
