Caravan Ingredients, Lenexa, Kan., a subsidiary of CSM Bakery Supplies North America, has named Ron Savelli president and CEO. Previously, he served as president, where he was responsible for sales and marketing. Savelli succeeds W. Ron Ashton, who has left the company to pursue other business interests.

In other news, Caravan Ingredients has hired Jim Doucét as emulsifier innovation manager. Doucet has more than 21 years of experience in product development and technical support.

Reading Bakery Systems, Robesonia, Pa., has named Thomas Hyrb director of manufacturing for its Reading, Pa., plant. Hyrb will be in charge of day-to-day operations. He has more than 30 years of manufacturing experience.

United States Bakery (USB) has announced that vice president of sales and marketing Ron McKnight has retired after 24 years with the company and 51 years in the baking industry. McKnight began his career in 1955 at Eddy’s Bakery in Helena, Mont., where he grew up. He will continue consulting with USB, providing specialized training to upper-level sales managers.

Tate & Lyle has appointed Robert Fisher, head of global research and development following the retirement of Bob Schanefelt. Fisher most recently served as executive director and chief operating officer for the International Life Science Institute, North America.

Giorgio Foods, Temple, Pa., has promoted David A. Sensenig to the position of corporate marketing manager. Previously, he served as the company’s mid-Atlantic regional sales manager for the frozen division. In related news, Giorgio Foods has promoted Paul Tucker to national sales manager for school food service and contract manufacturing/co-packing.

MGP Ingredients, Inc., Atchison, Kan., has named Christine Anderson human resources manager for the company’s Kansas City, Kan., facility. In other news, MGP also has appointed Om Samtani a research associate.

Wixon, Inc., St. Francis, Wis., has promoted Leda Strand director of technology applications and industrial ingredients. In her new role, Strand will lead Mag-nifique Technology applications research by solving customers’ specific food issues. She also will continue to direct product development projects for a key customer. Strand has 17 years of professional experience. She held positions at companies such as Baptista’s Bakery, Quaker, Gardetto’s and Pillsbury.

MGP Ingredients, Inc., Atchison, Kan., has appointed Jason Zhao managing director—Asia Pacific. Brad Maeier, who was instrumental in developing the Asia Pacific territory, now will concentrate his focus on markets in Europe and South America while continuing to manage the company’s business activities in Japan.

Mark Reser has been appointed president of Reser’s Fine Food, Inc., Beaverton, Ore. Previously, Reser served as chief operations officer. He replaces Al Reser, who will continue to serve as chairman of the board.

Heading up bakery machine manufacturer Fritsch’s new offices in Moscow is Alexej G. Michailow, an experienced sales manager who has worked for various European firms.

Hartness Intl., Greenville, S.C., has realigned its North American sales team. Keith Cooper has been named director of sales for the northeastern United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Erin Boles has been promoted to director of sales for the southern United States. Jim Soenke is the new director of sales for the entire western United States, including the Midwest and the West Coast. Tony Elrod has taken the position of director of technical sales. Scott Smith has been named vice president of sales and marketing.

Gonnella Baking Co., Chicago, has appointed Nicholas Marcucci president. He replaces George F. Marcucci, his second cousin, who passed away on Nov. 28, 2006.

Kaak Group North America, Lithia Springs, Ga., has hired Lou Giliberti as regional sales manager of the Northeast. Giliberti brings with him more than 30 years of experience.

SIAB—International Techno-Bake Exhibition has named Alberto Bauli president of SIAB 2007, the 8th edition of this show, to be held in Verona, Italy, May 5-9. Bauli is president of his own bakery company. He also is a member of the Italian Bakery, Pastry and Confectionary Industries’ Association (A.I.D.I.), the Italian Brand Industry Association (Centromarca) and Associated Advertisement Users (Upa).

The American Egg Board has named Joanne C. Ivy president and CEO, succeeding Louis B. Raffel, who recently retired after serving in that capacity since 1976. Ivy has been with AEB for 20 years. Most recently, she served as senior vice president.

Cambridge International, Cambridge, Md., has appointed H.J. “Sco” Scofield director of worldwide market development. Scofield has more than 30 years of market development experience in the manufacturing arena.

Zip-Pak, Manteno, Ill., has named John Schneider vice president and general manager. Schneider is responsible for overseeing new product development, manufacturing and commercial activities for five Zip-Pak businesses in North America.

J&J Snacks, Pennsauken, N.J., recently appointed several key vice president positions: John Griffith, vice president of information systems; Harry Fronjan, vice president of human resources; Barbara Dassatti, regional vice president of foodservice sales; Ernest Fogle, vice president of R&D for MIA Frozen Desserts; Tom Hunter, vice president/general manager of Uptown Bakeries; Mike Harvison, vice president/general manager of Country Home Bakers; Charles Tommolino, vice president of foodservice sales READI-BAKE for Country Home Bakers; and David Lauder, vice president — controller for The ICEE Company, a subsidiary of J&J Snack Foods.

Allied Bakery Equipment, Santa Fe Springs, Calif., has named Brad Winnamen industrial project manager. Previously, Winnaman was director of product development for La Brea Bakery.

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Assn., Chicago, has elected Bob Hysell, executive vice president of Flowers Foods Specialty Group’s foodservice division, Thomasville, Ga., to its 2007 board. Hysell has more than 25 years of foodservice experience. He will serve a three-year term on the IFMA board.

Bill Furlong, 76, of The Long Co., Chicago, died on Monday, Feb. 12, after a six-month long battle with lung cancer. Furlong had worked for the company as a logistics consultant since 1975. Prior to joining The Long Co., he held executive and managerial positions with several motor carriers and distribution organizations. Furlong also was a member of the American Bakers Association Fleet and Distribution Committee, and a past member of professional groups that focus on logistics and distribution.