MODENA, ITALY— Proxaut, a Middleby Bakery brand and manufacturer of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), appointed Michele Riva as GM. Riva will oversee brand operations, including engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing.

“By addressing current production challenges and anticipating future needs of foods and non-food manufacturers, under Michele’s leadership, Proxaut is poised to continue making significant strides in the automated guided vehicle sector,” said Jean Luc Dreano, VP of integration at Middleby Food Processing.

With over 15 years of industry experience, including two years of working with the global Middleby team, Riva aims to further Proxaut’s commitment to innovation and expand its offerings to improve process efficiencies, enhance sanitation, optimize labor and ensure employee safety.

With Proxaut’s AGVs, Middleby’s processes are streamlined, from packaging and palettization to thermal processing and warehousing.

Former president Stefano Ballotti will shift into an advisory capacity, providing Riva with technical support and guidance to ensure a smooth operational transition.