PEACHTREE CITY, GA (AUGUST 15, 2024) – Hoshizaki Alliance, a group of leading companies in the foodservice industry in the Americas, is excited to announce significant enhancements to its leadership team with a key promotion and the addition of two new members. These strategic appointments, who will report directly to Hoshizaki Americas Region President, Chris Karssiens, are set to drive growth and strengthen market presence.

Bret Eldridge Promoted to Vice President of Strategic Accounts

Hoshizaki Alliance is pleased to announce the promotion of Bret Eldridge to Vice President of Strategic Accounts. Eldridge has been instrumental in launching multi-brand sales initiatives with key customers since joining the team from Hoshizaki America last year. His leadership has demonstrated the effectiveness of collective multi-brand sales efforts in achieving substantial market share gains. With over 30 years of industry experience, including roles at Master-Bilt and executive positions at multiple brand franchise organizations, Eldridge’s expertise is a tremendous asset. He attended the University of Georgia, holds a BBA in Business Management from Clayton State, and resides in McDonough, Georgia.

Joel Horn Appointed Senior Vice President, General Counsel

Effective August 1, Hoshizaki Alliance has welcomed Joel Horn as Senior Vice President, General Counsel. Horn brings 28 years of legal experience across various manufacturing organizations, including Mitsubishi Power Systems, Enodis, Manitowoc Foodservice, and Welbilt. His expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions, IP management, and strategic risk controls will be crucial in supporting Hoshizaki Alliance’s growth strategy as well as enhancing the legal strategy and efficiency of each of the group companies. Horn holds a BA in political science and government from Stockton University and a juris doctorate from New England Law | Boston and is a member of both the American Bar Association and the Society for Corporate Governance. He and his family reside near Tampa, Florida.

Dianna Nielsen Joins as Vice President of Global Accounts

Dianna Nielsen has joined Hoshizaki Alliance as Vice President of Global Accounts. Nielsen will lead the development of key global accounts across all Hoshizaki product platforms, working closely with regional and global stakeholders to build and enhance trusted relationships. With 32 years of experience managing global accounts for leading companies such as Ali Group, Carpigiani, Taylor, and Delfield, Nielsen has a proven track record with major accounts including McDonalds, Ikea, Starbucks, and Yum! Brands. She holds a formal education in business management from Central Michigan University and resides in Hilton Head Island, SC. Nielsen will travel extensively to engage with Hoshizaki companies, partners, and customers worldwide.

“The recent appointments of Bret Eldridge, Joel Horn, and Dianna Nielsen mark a pivotal moment for Hoshizaki Alliance”, said Chris Karssiens, President of the Hoshizaki Americas Region. "Bret’s promotion recognizes his exceptional contribution to our multi-brand sales strategy and his role in achieving significant market share gains. Joel’s extensive legal expertise will be crucial in navigating our growth strategy, particularly in M&A and strategic risk management. Dianna’s global account management experience and her ability to build and maintain critical relationships will be invaluable as we expand our presence across key markets. Together, they will play a vital role in driving our strategic initiatives and enhancing our collaborative efforts across the Alliance.”

These strategic appointments highlight Hoshizaki Alliance’s commitment to leveraging the collective power of its brands to drive growth and enhance shareholder value. Recent successes with the Multi-Brand Sales Center of Excellence Team have underscored the benefits of synergistic collaboration, and it is anticipated that Eldridge, Horn, and Nielsen will further strengthen these efforts on both regional and global scales.

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.