Mike Durkin is now executive vice president of US operations for PepsiAmericas, Inc.

Mike Durkin is now executive vice president of US operations for PepsiAmericas, Inc., where he is responsible for the company's domestic sales and marketing strategy. Durkin was previously chief financial officer.

Lucille Farms, a manufacturer of mozzarella cheese products, appointed Don Desjarlais as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Previously, Desjarlais was the chief financial officer of Alto Dairy Cooperative.

Beaver Street Fisheries, Inc., elected Ben Frisch as president. Frisch has worked at BSF for more than 40 years.

Twister Networks Inc. is buying Reynaldo's Food Manufacturer Inc., a producer of Mexican food products. In preparation for the closing of the acquisition, Twister Networks changed its name to Reynaldo's Mexican Food Co.

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute made two staff changes. Jose Martinez is joining PMMI as director of the Latin America office and Jacquelyn Bradshaw is now director of web services.

Peter Brabeck-Letmathe was named chairman and CEO of Nestle S.A. At the same time, Andreas Koopmann and Rolf Hanggi have been named vice-chairmen of the Board for Nestle S.A.

The Tetra Laval Group acquired SIG Simonazzi, a manufacturer of filling equipment, and SIG Alfa, a manufacturer of labeling equipment. The acquired companies will merge with Sidel,, the industry group within Tetra Laval focused on plastic packaging equipment.

The Schwan Food Co. named John Beadle senior executive vice president and chief operating officer with responsibility for the company's sales and manufacturing business units. Other changes includes: Tracy Burr as senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, David Bunnell as senior executive vice president of strategic development; and William McCormack as president of Schwan's Global Consumer Brands.

Poore Brothers' board of directors promoted Glen Flook to executive vice president of innovation and Brian Foster to vice president of manufacturing.

Gary Fread is president and CEO of the Guelph Food Technology Centre. Previously, Fread was president of Fread & Associates, a consulting company.

Key Technology is acquiring Freshline Machines Pty Ltd., a designer and manufacturer of food processing systems for the worldwide fresh-cut industry.