In other management changes, Ila Lewis, granddaughter of company founder Max Gerber, has been promoted to executive vice president, and Ron Grabski is the new vice president/marketing. Deiter has been with Gerber 10 years, most recently serving as vice president/finance. Lewis previously held the title of advertising/marketing manager. Grabski, who joined the company in 1985, has been promoted from his previous position as vice president/market development.

Also, both Charlie Aranoff and Joe Sell continue as vice president/sales and vice president/sales administration, respectively.

Three family members retain 100% ownership of the company: Harriet Gerber Lewis, chairman, and her two daughters, Ila Lewis and Nancy Lewis Pollack.

Gerber operates five factories in Indiana, Alabama and New Jersey and has annual sales of more than $107 million. The company said in a statement that it has enjoyed record sales this year in vitreous china products and that overall its sales are up 5% for the year. Gerber continues to sell exclusively through the traditional two-step distribution program.