Rich Products exec John Wellenzohn has retired

Rich Products In-Store Bakery and Deli Direct Chains Division Senior Vice President John Wellenzohn has retired from the company, capping off a 43-year career, according to a 30 March announcement.

Wellenzohn, who officially retired on 2 April, started at the Buffalo, New York-headquartered food firm as a member of its sales team. He would go on to earn a series of promotions, Rich Products said, “taking on new roles with increasing importance over the years.”

“John’s career journey took him from a sales trainee at the onset, to region manager, national account manager and later vice president of sales. A highly respected industry leader, John’s known for his intricate knowledge of the food industry, ability to build connections and creativity in building meaningful solutions for customers,” the company said in a press release.

Ray Burke, Rich Products’ president and chief operating officer for the U.S./Canada region, said Wellenzohn spurred innovation and connection for the family-owned enterprise. 

“For more than four decades, John has been a leader and driver of our businesses,” Burke said. “He is loved by customers, brokers, and associates alike and we wish him much success in his next chapter – retirement.”

Wellenzohn served as a IDDBA board member and committee member, and earned multiple internal recognitions for exceptional sales achievement, Rich Products said. Some of Wellenzohn’s highlights with the company included “the relationships he created that enabled Rich’s to break into new geographic markets and with new retail customers.”

Rich Products said that vice president Alvino Battistoni is assuming leadership of the in-store bakery and deli-direct chains business upon Wellenzohn’s departure. 

The company’s portfolio features products geared toward foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among other channels. Seafood items are included in the firm’s broad list of offerings.

Photo courtesy of Rich Products