The Middleby Corporation, an equipment supplier in the foodservice industry, announced that Mark Salman, currently president of the Middleby Food Processing Group (FPG), will serve as CEO of the Food Processing business when it becomes an independent public company in the second quarter of 2026. It was also announced that Mark Bowie will serve as the COO of the Food Processing business upon the completion of the spin-off transaction.

Salman will continue in his current role as president of Middleby FPG during the separation process and will assume the CEO position effective upon the completion of the spin-off transaction. Under his leadership, the Food Processing segment has demonstrated exceptional performance, the company says, achieving industry-leading adjusted EBITDA margins and generating $850 million in revenue in 2025.

“Mark has been instrumental in building our Food Processing business into the industry-leading platform it is today,” says Tim FitzGerald, Middleby CEO. “His deep understanding of our customers' needs, proven track record of operational excellence, and strategic vision make him the ideal leader to guide this business through its transformation into an independent public company. Mark's leadership has been central to our success in delivering comprehensive automation solutions that address the evolving challenges facing food processors globally.”

As president of Middleby FPG since 2018, Salman has overseen the integration of 16 strategic acquisitions representing approximately $300 million in combined annual revenues. These strategic additions, combined with strong organic growth, have expanded the business from $390 million in revenue in 2018 to $850 million in 2025. His leadership has been pivotal in developing total line solutions for industrial protein, bakery, and snack processors, while maintaining best-in-class financial performance, Middleby says. 

"I am honored to lead this exceptional team and business as we embark on this exciting new chapter," says =Salman. "Our Food Processing business is uniquely positioned with industry-leading brands, innovative automation technologies, and a robust pipeline of growth opportunities. As an independent company, we will have enhanced focus and flexibility to accelerate our growth strategy, expand into adjacent markets, and continue delivering the innovative solutions our customers depend on to drive their success."

Additionally, Mark Bowie has been named COO of the Food Processing business. Joining Middleby Food Processing earlier this year, Bowie brings more than 25 years of diverse manufacturing expertise and proven leadership to Middleby Food Processing. He has public company experience and has led organizations through significant business shifts throughout his career. Prior to joining Middleby Food Processing, he was CEO of In-Place Machining, and before that CEO at LPW Group. He has also held senior roles with JBT Corporation and CIRCOR’s fluid handling business, which was acquired by CIRCOR from Colfax Corporation.

The spin-off, which remains on track for completion in the second quarter of 2026, is part of Middleby's strategic portfolio transformation designed to maximize shareholder value by creating three focused, industry-leading businesses. The separation will enable the Food Processing business to pursue its own capital allocation strategy, optimize its capital structure, and accelerate growth through strategic investments and acquisitions, the company finishes.

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