PEACHTREE CITY, GA (DECEMBER 9, 2024) – Hoshizaki Alliance, a group of leading companies in the foodservice industry in the Americas Region of Hoshizaki Group, is proud to announce the promotions of two valuable leaders to the Americas Region leadership team effective January 1, 2025.

Jim Kuo Appointed Senior Vice President, Operations Excellence

Hoshizaki Alliance is pleased to announce the creation of the role of Senior Vice President of Operations Excellence for the Americas Region. Jim Kuo, a 26-year veteran of Hoshizaki, will take on the new role. Jim currently holds the position of Senior Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering at Hoshizaki America, located in Peachtree City, Georgia. In his current role, he has driven operational improvements across all elements of engineering and production. In his new role, Jim will report directly to Chris Karssiens, President of the Americas Region, and will be responsible for driving operational improvement across all Hoshizaki Alliance factories.

Rod Johnson Appointed Senior Director, Import Products

Hoshizaki Alliance is also pleased to announce the creation of the role of Senior Director of Import Products for the Americas Region. Rod Johnson will be promoted from his current role of Senior Director of Strategic Sales for Hoshizaki America. In his new role, Rod will report directly to Chris Karssiens, President of the Americas Region, and be responsible for the strategic import plan into the Hoshizaki Alliance group of companies. Rod’s decades of experience in the foodservice equipment industry, both with manufacturers and independent manufacturers' representatives, will provide the guidance and strategy required for long-term success.

“The need for, and creation, of these new roles clearly demonstrates the Alliance's success and commitment to growth,” said Chris Karssiens, President of the Hoshizaki Americas Region. "Jim has been instrumental in advancing our commitment to operational efficiency, and I am confident his proven track record will undoubtedly continue as he takes his leadership to the Americas Region. Rod's extensive industry experience and expertise will drive cohesiveness and success as we expand the Hoshizaki product catalog and forge powerful synergies among the Alliance companies.” 

These strategic appointments highlight Hoshizaki Alliance’s dedication to leveraging the combined strength of its brands to drive growth and boost shareholder value.

About Hoshizaki Alliance

Hoshizaki Alliance of the Americas Region is a group of independent companies united by the common goal of meeting the needs and demands of its customers through original products with exceptional quality. Multiple companies united by shared geography and mission—creating trusted high-quality innovations for evolving customer needs. Jackson WWS, Inc. is a full-line supplier of high-quality commercial dish machines including flights, conveyors, door-types, glasswashers and undercounters. Hoshizaki America is a leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of products for the foodservice industry including ice machines, refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, display cases and dispensers. Lancer Worldwide leads in innovation and is committed to delivering a beverage dispensing experience that exceeds customer expectations. Macom is recognized for their innovation, permanent technical evolution, high quality equipment and systems for professional kitchens in Latin America. Fogel is one of the world’s pioneer companies in the design and production of commercial refrigeration equipment, manufacturing and supplying commercial refrigerators to meet the requirements of customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Hoshizaki Alliance is diverse in origin—each company having its own unique story, culture, and services—yet all contribute to the evolution of Hoshizaki as a whole with products and services that enhance the lives of its customers.

For more information about Hoshizaki Alliance and its comprehensive range of solutions, visit hoshizakialliance.com.