Warren, Michigan-based Lipari Foods has named John Pawlowski as president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. In his new role, Pawlowski will focus on advancing overall sales growth and profitability and will report directly to CEO Thom Lipari.
“John is a great addition to our executive team,” Lipari said. “He will play an important part in helping to guide Lipari Foods over the next several years as we continue on our path of improving our service, growing our product categories and expanding our geographic footprint.”
Pawlowski comes to Lipari Foods with a wealth of experience from his previous employer, TriMark SS Kemp based in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to SS Kemp, he spent more than 17 years with The JM Smucker Co., serving in various VP roles within the organization.
“I am excited to join Lipari Foods at an exceptional time in the company’s growth. I have a lot to learn about the people and teams, but I am already incredibly impressed with the tradition of excellence, family and customer focus,” Pawlowski said. “I look forward to digging into the business and providing support through my past experiences as we all build toward the future together.”
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and an MBA from Kent State University. In his free time, Pawlowski enjoys spending time with his wife Julie and three children, golfing and traveling.
Lipari Foods was founded in 1963 by Jim Lipari, who began his career by delivering unique products from the back of his station wagon. Today, Lipari Foods is a regional independent “perimeter of the store” distributor, delivering a wide range of quality bakery, dairy, deli, packaging, seafood, meat, specialty grocery, international specialty, foodservice, confectionery, and convenience food and beverage products to more than 8,500 customers across 25 states.
