Leadership Shake-Up for Welbilt Americas

Ali Group revealed a series of leadership appointments at Welbilt Americas designed to strengthen organizational alignment, accelerate growth initiatives, and enhance customer engagement. These appointments will be effective Sept. 1.

Rob August will assume the position of CEO, Welbilt Americas, reporting to Filippo Berti, chairman and CEO of Ali Group. He will be responsible for operational performance, cross-brand coordination, and delivering on Welbilt’s growth targets across the Americas. Working closely with the company’s leadership teams and portfolio of brands, August will strengthen customer engagement, drive innovation, and ensure Welbilt remains well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities in the foodservice industry.

August has served as chief commercial officer of Ali Group and Welbilt Americas since 2025. In that role, he has led the company’s commercial strategy while strengthening relationships with customers, channel partners, and key industry stakeholders. Since joining Ali Group in 2006 as executive vice president of Champion Industries, he has held a variety of leadership positions and played an important role in advancing Welbilt’s growth initiatives and fostering collaboration across the company’s portfolio of brands.

“I have had the opportunity to work closely with Rob since he joined the Ali Group in 2006 and have great confidence in his ability to lead the organization,” Berti said. “His deep industry experience, his execution-driven leadership, and customer-focused approach make him the right leader to guide Welbilt Americas through its next chapter of growth and success.”

Supporting this leadership transition, Jim Courtright will assume the position of executive vice president, Welbilt Americas, reporting directly to August. In this expanded role, he will help drive strategic growth initiatives, operational excellence, and greater collaboration among Welbilt’s operating companies and brands throughout the Americas, while continuing to build strong partnerships with customers, channel partners, and key industry stakeholders.

Since joining Welbilt in 2022 as vice president of sales, Welbilt Americas, Courtright has been instrumental in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and leading high-performing teams throughout the region, the company said. He has more than four decades of experience in the foodservice and beverage industries, including leadership positions with Hobart, PepsiCo, Enodis, and Scotsman Ice.

In addition, Leo Parot will assume the position of senior vice president, strategic accounts – McDonald’s, reporting to Jim Courtright. In this role, he will continue to serve as a trusted partner to McDonald’s worldwide, working closely with Welbilt’s portfolio of brand teams to advance innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth opportunities.

Since joining Welbilt in 2013, Parot has held roles of increasing responsibility across the organization and has developed strong relationships throughout the McDonald’s system. Since 2019, he has worked directly with McDonald’s stakeholders around the world, helping align resources from Welbilt’s portfolio of brands to support the company’s evolving needs.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our leadership team, deepening customer engagement and ensuring Welbilt remains well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities,” August said. “Jim and Leo bring exceptional industry expertise, strong customer relationships, and proven leadership that will help drive growth, strengthen customer partnerships, and advance Welbilt’s long-term success throughout the Americas.”