Grain Craft Appointed New Sales Director
The milling company hired a veteran industry executive to oversee strategic growth for its manufacturing and distribution partners.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People
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Grain Craft has hired Rob Gusman as sales director to oversee strategic customer growth for large-scale manufacturers and distributors. Gusman succeeds Matt Petty, who is concluding a 40-year career in the industry.
Why it matters
The change in leadership signals a pivot in sales strategy as Grain Craft looks to maintain its market position with large-scale manufacturing clients. Retiring personnel often create shifts in established supplier relationships and account management protocols.
Rob Gusman brings 8.5 years of experience from Miller Milling Co. to his new role, while outgoing director Matt Petty departs after 25 years with Grain Craft and its predecessor firms.
The players
Grain Craft
A milling and baking company based in Chattanooga that serves large-scale manufacturers and distributors.
Rob Gusman
The newly appointed sales director at Grain Craft who previously spent 8.5 years at Miller Milling Co.
Matt Petty
The outgoing sales director at Grain Craft with 40 years of industry experience, including 25 years at the firm.
The details
Gusman assumed the role on Oct. 5 and is now responsible for driving growth across Grain Craft's portfolio of multi-location manufacturers, distributors, and brokers. The transition follows a significant period of institutional continuity under Petty, whose four-decade career included over a quarter-century at the company's various entities.
Timeline
Oct. 5, 2026: Rob Gusman began his tenure as sales director.
December 2026: Matt Petty is scheduled to retire.
Market Landscape
This transition follows a standard industry pattern where long-tenured leadership roles are filled by executives with significant prior competitive experience. It reflects the broader trend of commercial milling firms prioritizing specialized sales expertise to secure larger manufacturing accounts.
Operators who manage procurement through Grain Craft should prepare for potential adjustments in account management and growth strategies as the new director settles into the role. Review existing supply contracts to ensure consistent communication and service levels during this transition.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at major suppliers often trigger internal shifts in sales strategy and client outreach priorities. Business owners should proactively reach out to their Grain Craft account representative in the coming months to confirm that service-level expectations remain aligned with their own operational needs.
What happens next
Matt Petty will retire in December 2026.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local corporate leadership, see the latest updates in People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by World Grain.
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