Champion Announces Updates to Its Sales Team Leadership

Champion Industries and Bi-Line Systems, a FEDA manufacturer member specializing in dishwashing machines, announced a series of organizational changes it said are designed to strengthen its sales teams and drive continued growth and innovation.

After more than a decade at the company, Chris Richelieu will retire as Western U.S. region sales director effective Dec. 31. In the months leading up to his retirement, Richelieu will transition into a new role as business development manager, where he will continue to support the manufacturer’s U.S. sales team and play a key role in mentoring and training. This final chapter with Champion Industries will let him share his extensive warewashing and sales knowledge to help ensure a smooth transition, the company said in a news release.

Succeeding Richelieu as Western U.S. region sales director is Peter O’Connor. He will lead Champion’s sales efforts and manage customer relationships across the Western region, focusing on driving strategic growth and strengthening Champion Industries and Bi-Line Systems’ market presence. The company noted that O’Connor will collaborate closely with Richelieu in the coming months to ensure a smooth and thorough transfer of responsibilities.

O’Connor has more than 12 years of industry experience and a solid background in sales leadership. Before joining Champion, he served as the Western U.S. regional sales manager at Hamilton Beach. He also worked as a rep principal in the Pacific Northwest, an experience that provided him with valuable insight into Champion’s customers, channels and the Western region.

Meanwhile, Chase Andrews was appointed Central U.S. region sales director, effective Aug. 4. He will lead sales initiatives and manage customer relationships across the Central region. With nearly 17 years of experience at Ecolab, including territory management, district sales and senior corporate account leadership, Andrews has a deep understanding of the commercial dishwashing industry and a proven track record of success. His experience and insights enable him to make an immediate impact. He will work closely with Tom Gatschet, vice president of strategic accounts, over the coming months to transition marketplace responsibilities, the company said.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Chris Richelieu for his outstanding contributions and lasting impact on Champion,” said Harrison Cavanaugh, vice president of sales and marketing at Champion Industries and Bi-Line Systems. “His leadership, dedication and passion for excellence have helped shape who we are today, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

“At the same time, we’re thrilled to welcome Peter O’Connor and Chase Andrews to our sales leadership team,” Cavanaugh continued. “Their appointments underscore Champion’s unwavering commitment to growth and client success. With their expertise, we are strengthening our market position and reaffirming our promise to deliver industry-leading innovation and unmatched value to our customers.”