BRONX, NY. — Baldor Specialty Foods, a distributor of premium fresh produce, specialty foods, dairy, meat and fish in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, announced several hires and structural changes on Dec. 12.

Baldor appointed Seth Gottlieb as senior vice president of logistics. Gottlieb will oversee inbound and outbound logistics, further elevating efficiency from vendor deliveries to final customer touchpoints. He brings over a decade of experience from Fresh Direct, where he previously served as the vice president of logistics and operations planning.

Additionally, Baldor announced Andrew Howell will serve as senior vice president of operations for the company. His responsibilities will consist of operations management across the company’s distribution centers. He will work to optimize warehouse operations in major hubs like Bronx, NY, Washington, DC, Boston and Philadelphia. Most recently, Howell served as executive vice president of operations at Upward Farms. He also previously worked for Sabra Dipping Co. for 12 years.

Avisheh Avini was named general counsel for Baldor. She will oversee all legal aspects of Baldor, including corporate transactions, commercial matters, real estate, employment and safeguarding intellectual property. Avini brings experience from the foodservice industry from her previous role as chief legal officer at Union Square Hospitality Group and her current position as a board member of Salt & Straw.

“The strength of our leadership team is paramount to our commitment of ‘quality you can trust and service that delivers’ and critical as we continue our strategic expansion,” said TJ Murphy, chief executive officer of Baldor.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve been growing our bench toward the goal of scaling our mission and vision, while continuing to provide white-glove service and radical hospitality. Seth Gottlieb, Andrew Howell, Avisheh Avini and other recent additions to senior management were hired specifically for demonstrated dedication to both operational excellence and customer satisfaction.”

In addition to recent new hires, Baldor realigned its manufacturing entities, including the Fresh Cuts division and Pierless Fish business, under chief operating officer Gene Mayer. Mayer will streamline processes and efficiencies for enhanced productivity.