AMF Bakery Systems has promoted Jason Ward to executive vice president. 

Ward was previously vice president of sales and marketing for AMF, in charge of the company’s sales strategy. He led the expansion of the company’s international sales through regions including North America, Latin America, China and Europe while focusing on global brand awareness.

Ken Newsome, chief executive for the Markel Food Group which owns AMF, said: “We welcome Jason to our executive leadership team.

“He has played a pivotal role in our company’s growth since he joined AMF in 2011. His leadership at AMF has allowed us to build the Markel Food Group to include Reading Bakery Systems and Tromp Group.”

Ward also serves on the board for American Society of Baking (ASB), an organisation committed to providing professional development, education and innovation for the grains-based food industry.

The Markel Food Group also owns Reading Bakery Systems, Tromp Group and Solbern.