There are many definitions of sustainability, but most often sustainability is synonymous with the long-term viability of a community. So, let’s talk about our community, commercial foodservice, and how we are cultivating our future leadership. This is an area of continued evolution and we should give as much attention to guiding the next generation as we do to the latest product innovations. Steve will discuss how we can work together to attract, mentor and retain top talent, to ensure success for our emerging leaders and the future of our industry.
Steve Spittle, Chief Commercial Officer, Middleby and President, North American Association of Foodservice Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)
Steve Spittle has more than 20 years of global experience in the commercial foodservice industry. Throughout his career Steve has built long-standing, trusted relationships with many highly recognized industry organizations and well-known restaurant customers. His insight and knowledge of industry trends have been key in aligning Middleby and its customers to best serve the future commercial foodservice market.
Named Middleby chief commercial officer in 2021, Steve oversees Middleby commercial cooking brands worldwide. He leads the strategic initiatives and engagement with Middleby dealers, reps and chain partners.
Since joining Middleby in 2010, Steve has held senior sales positions where he successfully expanded market share and gained customer acceptance for new, innovative solutions. Before his promotion to CCO, Steve was a group president managing the Blodgett and Pitco brands. His roots run deep in the industry with longstanding relationships in trade organizations including NAFEM, CFESA and FEDA.
Steve is currently the President of the North American Association of Foodservice Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2015. Previously within NAFEM he was president-elect, treasurer and vice chair of The NAFEM Show trade show advisory council. Before that he was the NAFEM chair at the 2018 E&S Industry Summit, a joint meeting with CFESA and FEDA. Currently, he serves on the NAFEM Executive and Finance & Audit Committees and is a member of the Young Executives Forum (YEF).
Steve has an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston and received his B.A. Degree in Economics from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. He is a Level 1 Certified Food Service Professional.
Steve resides in Bedford, N.H., with wife Jamie and children Callie (17), Ella (11), and Jackson (8). He likes to spend his free time with his family traveling and enjoying the outdoors.