PLYMOUTH, MN — Bühler Inc. has appointed Andy Sharpe as the new President and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2019. Sharpe succeeds René Steiner, who will be retiring, capping off a successful 50-year career at Bühler.

Steiner will remain with Bühler throughout the official transition to ensure continuity of operations and continue to develop important customer relationships.

Sharpe has more than 20 years of experience with Bühler, working across all functions of the organization, including sales, marketing, research and development, engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership. Sharpe started with Bühler in 1996, when he was hired as Market Manager to establish the company’s European office in Stamford, UK. Later, he was appointed Regional Director to serve market needs for the company’s European, Middle Eastern and African markets. Most recently, Sharpe served as President and CEO of Bühler Aeroglide in Raleigh, North Carolina, from April 2015 to the present. Prior to joining Bühler, Sharpe served as Business Manager for the snack and cereal division of APV Baker in Peterborough, UK, where he marketed complete food processing lines.

“We are happy that, with Andy Sharpe, we were able to find a seasoned and successful business leader as successor for René.” said Bühler Group’s Global Head of Sales and Service, Dieter Voegtli.  ”Andy’s appointment will allow us to further develop relationships with our customers, based on the foundation laid by René and to provide continuity to our teams in North America.”