Hoshizaki UK announces Steve Loughton as UK Director

Steve Loughton is to take over from Glenn Roberts as the managing director of the newly formed Hoshizaki UK.

The former managing director of Jestic Foodservice Equipment takes on the business as it integrates Hoshizaki and Gram UK into Hoshizaki UK.

Loughton will head up Hoshizaki UK's head office and brings more than 40 years of foodservice sales and distributor experience to the team. With a proven record of driving profit growth, he has extensive knowledge of the EMEA and North American markets, and is ready to embrace the challenge of growing Hoshizaki's presence both in the UK and Europe.

Roberts leaves Gram after 14 years to take up the position as Professional Sales Director at Brita UK.

Loughton said: "I am thrilled to be joining Hoshizaki UK. I'm fortunate to be entering the business at a time of exciting change and ambitious growth as Hoshizaki UK and Gram UK come together under the operating corporate umbrella of Hoshizaki UK. Change is dynamic for the whole team, and I am ready to lead the business and drive it forward, sharing our exceptional category knowledge with customers.

"Glenn Roberts has created a very successful business in the UK, driving both an unrivalled reputation for quality innovations and customer service, as well as ensuring Gram is regarded as leading the way in energy efficiency within the professional refrigeration category. He leaves the business in a strong position and one, which I intend to further nurture along with the core values Glenn has set".

Gram's commercial director Paul Anderson, who has been with Gram for more than six years, will also take up a new role of director of sales in January. As a key member of the senior team, Anderson's new role will see him continue to build the business' distributor relationships as well as head up the sales team as it continues to achieve business growth.

Anderson, commented: "I look forward to working closely with Steve as the business expands and we continue to build our reputation for bringing truly innovative products to market. It's a genuinely positive move for the business and a great time to be part of an evolving journey. I would also like to wish Glenn all the best in his new role."

Glenn Roberts, who announced his departure yesterday steps down as managing director this month after 14 years with the business. The current chair of the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA), Roberts leaves to take up the position as Professional Sales Director at Brita UK from January 2017.

Roberts added: "Whilst it was a difficult decision to leave Hoshizaki Gram, I am excited for the new challenge. The last 14 years have seen some remarkable changes and impressive technological advances, many of which I am proud to say have been industry ‘firsts' from Gram."

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