Lavazza Makes Two Big Hires for North American Expansion

Pictured left to right: Michele J. Abo, Ennio Ranaboldo, Ricky Khetarpaul

As part of an effort to expand its brand presence in the United States, Italian coffee giant Lavazza has appointed two new members of its North American management team.

Michele J. Abo, who has sales and management experience at Chevron, PepsiCo, and Entenmann’s, has been appointed as director of sales in North America, while Ricky Khetarpaul has been appointed director of finance and administration after eight years at PepsiCo.

“Today, more than ever, our North American presence becomes increasingly vital,” Ennio Ranaboldo, CEO of Lavazza North America said in a company announcement. “We look forward to working with Michele and Ricky to bolster our organizational structure, and foster long-term growth across all channels and markets.”

Lavazza’s North American growth plans include a new e-commerce store launced earlier this month, as well as a new specialty coffee line for the retail channel.