A warm Welbilt welcome to Claus Pedersen, the recently appointed Managing Director of Convotherm at Welbilt, Inc.

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to grab a couple of minutes with Claus at INTERNORGA. Just two months into the role, we were keen to learn about his first impressions. His extensive knowledge of the food service industry, with companies such as Hobart (ITW) and Cornelius (Marmon Foodservice Technologies), combined with an impressive sales and marketing record, positions him as a formidable leader in his new capacity. From the start of 2024 Claus has taken global responsibility for Convotherm product lines and P&L, marking an exciting chapter in the company's trajectory.

Q: Tell us a bit about your first impressions of Convotherm?

My first impressions have been very positive. I would say my expectations have definitely been met: great company, great brand, a lot of good people and of course a lot of opportunities to grow the business, for sure. 

Q: And before Convotherm, where did you come from? 

I was 22 years in the warewash business and then I spent five years in a beverage company.  I have about 27 years of experience in the food service industry, but of course with different products than combi ovens.

Q: What has impressed you most about Convotherm? 

When we talk about combi ovens, it's a lot about emotion: it is food, it is smell, it is taste and so on. And it's always exciting to be part of this type of business. You meet a lot of interesting people. Of course, we have some great partnerships as well, all around the world, so it's exciting to be part of this product sector. 

Q: And where do you think Convotherm is going from here? What are the next steps?

To continue to grow the business and strengthen our position. We have already a strong position in the market, but we know there are opportunities for us to grow. We have some great initiatives coming up in the next couple of years. So, of course, it's about developing and improving company results and positioning us even more strongly in the market. 

Q: After INTERNORGA, you are visiting China, what is on your agenda?

Firstly, visiting our colleagues in in the APAC region. And, of course, gaining better insights into the market. I’ll be attending the HotelEx exhibition in Shanghai so it will be great for exchanging ideas and enjoying conversations with the team.

Q: Any last words?

It’s exciting to be here and I look forward to some good times in the next couple of years!

“When we talk about combi ovens, it's a lot about emotion: it is food, it is smell, it is taste and so on. And it's always exciting to be part of this type of business.”