Today, World Kitchen announced the retirement of president and CEO Joe Mallof, effective December 31. The company’s board of directors named Carl Warschausky, currently COO, to succeed Mallof as president and CEO, effective January 1, 2013.

“Over his seven year tenure, Joe Mallof has led World Kitchen with outstanding results including continued growth in both the U.S. and internationally,” said Terry Peets, chairman of the board of directors. “We appreciate his leadership and thank him for his significant contributions to World Kitchen. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Warschausky, currently the COO for World Kitchen, has previously held the positions of president, North America and chief financial officer for the company. The company indicated that Warschausky will continue to grow World Kitchen’s brands through new product innovation and providing solid solutions addressing consumer needs.

“Carl is an outstanding leader and I am confident that he will be a great CEO for World Kitchen,” said Mallof. “I wish him all the best, and know that everyone at World Kitchen will give Carl the same trust and support that they have always given me.”

Prior to World Kitchen, Warschausky served as executive vp and CFO of Chef Solutions and Merisant Company.