People on the Move

JERSEY CITY, N.J. -- Several supplier companies in the convenience industry have announced staffing additions.

BAZI International Inc., a provider of healthy energy shots, appointed Debbie Wildrick as its CEO. In her new role, she will oversee the company's overall vision and strategy, operations, global sales growth and brand direction.

Wildrick brings 30 years of beverage experience to BAZI, having served formerly in leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies such as 7-Eleven Inc. and Tropicana North America (PepsiCo). Before joining BAZI, Wildrick built a successful consulting business dedicated to helping new and emerging brands maximize their potential by driving sales and profitability.

"We are honored to promote Debbie Wildrick to the position of CEO. In six short months, Debbie has positioned BAZI for exponential growth," said BAZI President Kevin Sherman. "I have been most impressed with her absolute breadth of the beverage industry in its entirety and for this reason, both I and the board of directors believe Debbie is best equipped to lead the organization in all aspects of management and ultimately increase shareholder value."

As part of its acquisition of East Side Deli of Lansing, Mich., Lipari Foods is adding East Side Deli owner Jeff Jacobs and roughly 50 other employees to its team.

"They bring with them the resources and knowledge of more than 20 years of world-class fresh sandwich manufacturing capabilities and successful sales and distribution to nearly 1,000 Michigan c-store operators and retailers," noted Thom Lipari, president of Lipari Foods, based in Warren, Mich.

Coinstar Inc. appointed Maria D. Stipp as its chief customer officer. Stipp joins Bellevue, Wash.-based Coinstar with more than 20 years of experience in sales and senior management roles in the video game and consumer packaged goods industries. Most recently, she served as the executive vice president and general manager of the Owned Properties Global Business Unit at Activision.

"We are delighted Maria has joined our senior leadership team and believe she will be a strong leader and an asset to the organization as we grow our automated retail businesses and deepen our relationships with retail customers," said Paul Davis, CEO of Coinstar. "Maria's knowledge of our retail channels, combined with her financial acumen, proven track record and ability to develop teams, makes her an ideal choice for this position."

Hatco Corp., based in Milwaukee, announced that Steve Everett Jr. will join the company next month as business development manager. Starting in mid-July, Everett will be responsible for developing product line strategies and new product development opportunities.

Also joining Hatco in December will be Mark Pumphret as dealer sales manager. He will be responsible for furthering Hatco's sales efforts within the dealer community by calling on dealers, end users and consultants in a number of different territories.

 

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