The Legacy Cos., the Ft. Lauderdale-based multi-brand supplier of commercial equipment and domestic appliances, announced Sept. 21 it named veteran industry executive Mark Easterday chief commercial officer. According to a press release, the appointment brings “an accomplished foodservice industry executive to lead the company’s commercial sales organization and growth strategy.”
Easterday was one of the most well-known executives in the industry when he retired from Middleby Corp. in 2024 as executive vp of brand sales. He earlier served in vp of sales and marketing roles at Middleby’s Blodgett and Pitco brands and at Star Holdings, Middleby’s multi-brand light equipment group. Before joining Middleby in 2013, he was director of sales at ITW/FEG’s Vulcan. Earlier in his career he had sales and senior sales roles at Cargill, Bemis’s Lawn & Garden division, and Regal Ware.
“Mark knows this industry, its customers, and its channels exceptionally well,” said Steve Moore, CEO of The Legacy Companies. “He brings the kind of experience and perspective that will sharpen our commercial strategy, strengthen our partnerships, and create new opportunities for growth across our portfolio.”
Legacy said that as chief commercial officer, “Easterday will focus on accelerating growth across TLC’s commercial business, strengthening its go-to-market strategy and building an increasingly connected approach to serving customers and channel partners.”
“The opportunity at The Legacy Companies is significant,” said Easterday. “We have strong brands, a broad product offering and an experienced team. My focus is on bringing those strengths together, staying close to our customers and partners, and making it easier to do business with The Legacy Cos.” From a company release
Mark and I talked occasionally after he retired from Middleby. I suspected he was getting bored. Legacy has had some challenges during the past couple of years and landing Easterday is a good move. He knows everyone who is anyone is the business and also knows how to manage multi-brand portfolios, such as Legacy’s stable of venerable foodservice equipment brands. It’ll be fun to have him back on the circuit.
E&S Companies/Manufacturers; People
