Coffee and food processing equipment manufacturer Bühler has appointed Andy Sharpe as the new President and CEO of its North American division. Sharpe will succeed René Steiner as of 1 January 2019, who is retiring after 50 years with Bühler. Steiner will remain with the company throughout the official transition to ensure continuity of operations and continue to develop important customer relationships.
Sharpe has more than 20 years’ experience with Bühler, working across various departments of the organisation, including sales, marketing, research and development, engineering, manufacturing and executive leadership. “We are happy that, with Andy Sharpe, we were able to find a seasoned and successful business leader as successor for René.” says Bühler Group’s Global Head of Sales and Service, Dieter Voegtli. “Andy’s appointment will allow us to further develop relationships with our customers, based on the foundation laid by René and to provide continuity to our teams in North America.” Sharpe started with Bühler in 1996 when he was hired as Market Manager to establish the company’s European office in Stamford, United Kingdom. Later, he was appointed Regional Director to serve market needs for the company’s European, Middle Eastern and African markets. Sharpe has served as President and CEO of Bühler Aeroglide in North Carolina, United States, since April 2015.
As head of the Aeroglide business unit, Bühler says Andy built a culture of trust, respect, and open communication, transforming the organisation into one where entrepreneurship, accountability, and innovation flourishes. In his new role, he will apply that same transformational leadership to the North American sales and service organisation.
“It’s an exciting time to take over the helm of Bühler North America as we advance a phase of equipment solutions and digital innovations that allow our customers to satisfy the basic food, mobility, and communications needs for billions of people, every day,” Sharpe says. “As President and CEO, my goal is to perpetuate Bühler’s world class expertise, to help our customers grow their businesses across all industries, as well as create a workplace where our employees can thrive and do their very best.”
For more information, visit www.buhlergroup.com
