CONYERS, GA (February 11, 2021) – Unified Brands, a leading manufacturer of foodservice equipment, announced the addition of Ajay Kothari and Brent Barkley, as well as the promotion of Clay Thames.
Kothari will serve as Senior Director of Technology, leading a team of engineers researching technological advances – both in and outside of the foodservice industry – to lead the company’s efforts in product enhancement and new product development. Barkley will serve as Senior Director of Strategic Brand Management for Randell and Avtec, focusing on product positioning, product line expansion and design and manufacturing efficiencies. Thames will fulfill the same responsibilities in his appointment to Senior Director of Strategic Brand Management for Groen, Power Soak, and CapKold.
“We are pleased to welcome Ajay and Brent to the Unified Brands family, and to announce Clay’s well-deserved new position,” said Unified Brands President, Dave Herring. “We are optimistic about our future in the commercial foodservice equipment industry, and are well-positioned for successful expansion of our product portfolio in our three centers of excellence in Michigan (custom manufacturing), Mississippi (production manufacturing) and Georgia (corporate training and culinary center).”
Kothari has more than a decade of engineering and manufacturing experience. His vast experience and proven track record of product development will help Unified Brands strengthen its product portfolio and positioning with new technology and new products.
Barkley comes to Unified Brands with a wealth of experience driving revenue growth in sales, marketing and engineering positions. With a background in account and brand building, Barkley has worked in different manufacturing markets and is primed to continue to boost the Randell and Avtec brands as an industry leader in commercial refrigeration and ventilation, respectively.
Thames has been an invaluable asset in his 20-plus years at Unified Brands, serving the last five as Product Line Director for Cooking and Warewashing. He will continue to bolster the Groen, Power Soak and CapKold product lines – validating their reputation as leaders in commercial cooking, warewashing and cook-chill production.
About Unified Brands: Unified Brands and its Groen, Randell, Avtec, A la Cart, Power Soak and CapKold product lines have leading industry positions in cooking equipment, custom and standard refrigeration, continuous motion ware washing systems, conveyors, ventilation, utility distribution, cook-chill, and meal delivery systems. Unified Brands has operations in Michigan, and Mississippi.
