Probat Names Ryan Dodd North American CEO

Probat Group has appointed Ryan Dodd as CEO of its North American operations, effective April 20.

With more than 23 years of experience in the mechanical engineering industry, primarily in sales and business development, Dodd succeeds Ellen Nielsen, who has led Probat’s North American business since 2020 and will remain with the company as Chief Financial Officer North America.

The leadership change follows Probat’s U.S. consolidation in Dallas, which is bringing together teams previously based at Probat Inc.’s Lincolnshire, Illinois, facility, Bauermeister USA’s Memphis operation and AC Horn’s existing production site in Dallas.

According to Probat’s announcement last week, Nielsen will now focus on the consolidation initiatives and financial priorities tied to the Dallas transition.

DCN stock photo.

According to Probat, Dodd brings more than 23 years of experience in the mechanical engineering industry. According to his LinkedIn profile, Dodd most recently held a director of sales position with industrial equipment company Echo Incorporated. He was also previously managing director at process technology company ProXES and director of sales at industrial mixing equipment company Eirich Machines. 

In addition to leading Probat’s North American organization, Dodd will help lead the group’s global sales strategy for its nuts and snacks business.

Founded in Emmerich, Germany, in 1868, Probat is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of coffee roasting equipment, including the Burns coffee roasting equipment line in North America.

The group has expanded further into broader food processing through acquisitions such as AC Horn Manufacturing. Probat says it now has around 1,200 employees, with operations in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Scotland, the U.S., Canada, Brazil, India and Singapore.

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