American Italian Pasta Company realigns sales and marketing organization

10/03/06 American Italian Pasta Company has announced a realignment of the Company's sales and marketing organization, including the promotions of certain sales executives. In connection with the realignment and the related elimination of a reporting layer, Daniel W. Trott, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, will be leaving the Company.

Four current sales executives are assuming broader general management positions for their respective areas of business responsibility. In that regard, the following individuals are being promoted from area vice president positions to the following senior vice president roles: Pat Regan - Senior Vice President of National Accounts; Mike Kaczynski - Senior Vice President of East Region; and Tom Branich - Senior Vice President of West Region. In addition, Jerry Dear will continue as Executive Vice President of Ingredient, Food Service and Club Channels with assumption of increased general management responsibilities for these businesses. These four sales executives have over 27 years of combined service with American Italian Pasta Company.

As part of the realignment of responsibilities, these sales executives will report directly to Jim Fogarty, President and Chief Executive Officer. The Company's Director of Marketing, Drew Lericos, will also report directly to Mr. Fogarty.

Jim Fogarty, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We want to thank Dan Trott for his service to the Company and we wish him well in his future endeavors. I am excited about the strength and depth of our senior sales management team and our marketing organization. I look forward to working closely with them in executing our strategic initiatives and driving success in the future. We collectively remain focused on delivering the high quality products and excellent service to our customers."

Founded in 1988 and based in Kansas City, Missouri, American Italian Pasta Company is the largest producer and marketer of dry pasta in North America. The Company has four plants that are located in Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Columbia, South Carolina; Tolleson, Arizona and Verolanuova, Italy. The Company has approximately 600 employees located in the United States and Italy.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060307/cgtu053.html?.v=43