JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Design, engineering, construction and mechanical services firm, Stellar, announces promotions for two of its leaders to new positions as officers. The company has promoted Brian Kappele to executive vice president of food and beverage facilities, and Brian Reeves to vice president of operations, refrigeration services.

Brian Kappele, executive vice president of food and beverage facilites at Stellar

Starting as an intern in 1999, Kappele has served as a field engineer, superintendent, project manager and division manager. In July 2006 he was named vice president, in September 2008 food and beverage services vice president, and in October 2013 senior vice president. Kappele graduated from the Rinker School of Building Construction at the University of Florida in 1998.

“It’s a tremendous honor to move into this new role,” Kappele said. “In my time at Stellar, I’ve developed a keen understanding of this industry and the evolving needs of our clients, and I’m eager to apply those years of experience to help lead this company to new levels of success.”

“With every opportunity, Brian’s leadership has resulted in significant improvement not just to the bottom line, but more importantly to those who work around him,” said Mike Santarone, Stellar president and COO. “His enthusiasm is contagious, his expectations are always clear, he emphasizes accountability, and he empowers his team to be successful. I am confident in the direction Brian will take his entire team moving forward.”

Brian Reeves, vice president of operations, refrigeration services

Brian Reeves joined the Stellar team two decades ago and has served as refrigerations engineer, project manager and most recently as the refrigeration services division manager. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1995 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

“I’m very excited for the challenges and opportunities this new position will offer,” said Reeves. “I began my career at Stellar, and I’m eager to continue providing our clients with the high-quality results that have come to define this company.”

Stellar provides planning, design, preconstruction, construction, refrigeration, mechanical and utility, building envelope, and total operations and maintenance services for food processing plants, refrigerated warehouses, distribution centers, commercial buildings and military facilities.