Carpigiani North America, a member of the Ali Group, announced the appointment of Kami Poppen as its Vice President of Sales and Marketing, a newly created position.

The role and her background

Poppen has more than 23 years of experience in commercial foodservice. In her new role she oversees sales and marketing for the company across North America. She also manages the distributor network, key accounts and the educational programmes, including Gelato University and Frozen Dessert University.

She joined Carpigiani in 2011 and has played a major part in winning and growing the McDonald’s business, as well as supporting general market sales in the US. Before Carpigiani, she held roles in product development, food applications, global chain sales and equipment project management at ACP Inc., another Ali Group company. She reports directly to Penny Klingler, President of Carpigiani North America.

What the company said

Klingler said Poppen brings a wealth of experience to the executive leadership team and that the company looks forward to her taking sales and marketing efforts to new heights as it accelerates growth year after year. Poppen said she was excited to build her career with a company known as the leader in frozen dessert equipment innovation and manufacturing, and that she looks forward to supporting clients and working more closely with the educational programmes.

What this means for gelato makers in New Zealand

The same Carpigiani that supplies global chains also builds the machines used by independent gelato shops, cafes and restaurants here. Majors Group is the official Carpigiani distributor in New Zealand, backed by a national service team. See the Carpigiani range or explore Carpigiani Gelato University training through us.

Source: Carpigiani news. Rewritten for New Zealand by Majors Group.