Middleby is beginning a CEO transition as it completes a major reshaping of its business. Steve Spittle, the company’s chief commercial officer, became president on Nov. 5, 2026, and is set to take over as CEO on April 1, 2027. Timothy FitzGerald will remain CEO through March 31 to support the handover, then leave the company’s board.
The leadership change follows Middleby’s shift toward a focus on commercial foodservice. Earlier in 2026, it sold a 51% stake in its residential kitchen business to 26North, then spun off its food processing business as Midera.
Key details
- Spittle’s new roles: Spittle, 45, became president immediately and is scheduled to become CEO on April 1, 2027. He will join the board on that date, when FitzGerald steps down from it.
- Experience at Middleby: Spittle has been chief commercial officer since February 2021. His earlier roles included leading the Pitco Frialator and G.S. Blodgett businesses and serving as president of Pitco Frialator.
- Spittle’s compensation: His new agreement sets an annual base salary of $850,000, effective immediately. He remains eligible for annual bonuses under Middleby’s management incentive programs.
- Severance protection: Spittle is designated a Tier I participant in Middleby’s executive severance plan. He may resign for “good reason” under that plan if he does not assume the CEO role by April 1, 2027.
- FitzGerald’s transition: FitzGerald has been CEO since 2019 and has spent nearly three decades at Middleby. During the transition, he will continue his regular duties and help Spittle prepare to take over. He will receive his base salary and employee benefits, but no new equity awards.
- FitzGerald’s departure benefits: Upon leaving the company, he will be eligible for severance under his employment agreement and prorated accelerated vesting of outstanding restricted stock units, as provided in his award agreements.
- Strategic context: Middleby said the sale of a majority stake in its residential kitchen business and the spin-off of food processing have left it focused on commercial foodservice. The company described Spittle as the leader for its next phase.
The transition sets out a defined handover: FitzGerald remains CEO until the end of March, while Spittle takes on the president role immediately. Spittle’s planned board appointment will coincide with his becoming CEO and FitzGerald’s departure from the board.