Bühler Aeroglide, Cary, NC, has named Andy Sharpe president and CEO, effective June 1. He succeeds Hans-Jöerg Ill, who will be returning to Bühler’s headquarters in Uzwil, Switzerland.

Sharpe has nearly 20 years’ experience with Bühler Aeroglide, working across all functions of the organization, including sales, marketing, research and development, engineering and manufacturing. In 1996, he was hired as market manager to establish the company’s European office in Stamford, UK. Later, he was appointed regional director to serve market needs for the company’s European, Middle Eastern and African markets.

“Bühler Aeroglide’s growth requires a leader with a deep and thorough understanding of customer needs that combine engineering expertise and robust manufacturing,” says Marcel Natterer, Bühler Group’s value nutrition managing director. “Andy has successfully demonstrated an ability to nurture and commercialize valuable industry solutions, most recently by leading the development of the company’s newest RTE Ceres hygienic dryer. He understands the needs of our customers and has the management experience and skills necessary to ensure the company’s continued success.”

Sharpe will emphasize total quality management, focusing on the company’s core strengths in sales, service and innovation to increase profitability, improve company performance and continue to offer the thermal-processing solutions for which the company is globally recognized.

“It’s an exciting time to take over the helm of Bühler Aeroglide as we advance a phase of innovations that have already introduced a new generation of hygienic technologies with greater capacity and energy improvements,” says Sharpe. “We’re also identifying the needs of emerging markets and designing new solutions to support sustainability and food security. As president and CEO, I will strive to perpetuate Bühler Aeroglide’s world class expertise, to help our customers grow their businesses across all industries.”