Americold commits to OPEX with new leadership appointments

Americold, a global leader in temperature-controlled storage, logistics and facilities solutions has committed to operational excellence (OPEX) with a series of executive leadership appointments.

The changes are part of the company’s ongoing strategy to enhance operational execution, deepen customer relationships and unlock global growth opportunities, according to the firm.

Americold makes leadership shifts to drive OPEX 

Americold announced the creation of a new executive role, president, and named Rob Chambers to the position. With over 12 years of leadership experience at Americold, Chambers will now oversee the company’s global operations and take on expanded profit and loss (P&L) responsibilities. This strategic move reflects Americold’s continued focus on enhancing operational efficiency and driving international growth.

In January 2024, Rob Chambers was appointed president, Americas at Americold. Chambers previously served as EVP and chief commercial officer, a role he held since joining the Americold executive leadership team in 2020. During his tenure, Chambers led the company’s global development organization and made a significant impact as VP of commercial finance. He was instrumental in developing Americold’s commercial business rules and underwriting processes.

Bryan Verbarendse, current EVP and chief operating officer, Americas, succeeds Chambers as president, Americas, leading business development and operations across North and South America.

Verbarendse joined Americold in August 2023. He brings over 31 years of experience in retail and wholesale grocery supply chain, having previously served as SVP of distribution and replenishment at Albertsons as well as group VP of distribution and general manager roles at Albertsons and SUPERVALU.

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Richard Winnall, current president, international, will assume oversight of the global commercial committee and operations committee in close partnership with president, Americas. This will enable Americold to unlock global opportunities that will drive global harmonization of commercial and operational standards, ensuring consistent KPIs, scalable systems and cross-regional customer growth.

Winnall was appointed President, International in January 2024, following his role as chief operating officer, international. Since joining Americold in 2019, he has held leadership roles including managing director, international and managing director, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

New appointments reflect commitment to OPEX 

“These appointments reflect our continued commitment to OPEX and customer-centric growth across our global portfolio,” said George Chappelle, CEO of Americold. Rob, Bryan and Richard are proven leaders with deep institutional knowledge and a passion for delivering results, he added.

“I am confident that this team – alongside our executive leadership team – will accelerate the execution of our strategy and unlock new opportunities across our global network.”

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