Kathleen Held was promoted from chief marketing officer to chief executive officer for Cini•Little International, a Maryland-based foodservice consulting firm.

Kathleen HeldRichard Eisenbarth, the firm’s previous CEO, will continue with Cini•Little as president and chief operating officer until he retires this fall. He will remain on the board of directors for the firm upon retirement.

This shift will allow Eisenbarth to focus on mentoring the company’s staff, developing strategic relationships and strengthening relationships with key clients, per a release announcing the transition. Eisenbarth became Cini•Little’s CEO in March 2019 following the resignation of Diane Dowling.

Held joined Cini•Little in 1993 working in the firm’s marketing department. As her role expanded over the years, she became a part of the firm’s leadership team and led the business development and marketing efforts for the firm’s worldwide offices. Held became the first person to serve as Cini•Little’s chief marketing officer in March 2018.

“Kathleen’s passion for the industry, commitment to our clients, and ability to motivate people toward a goal has strengthened Cini•Little’s position in the global marketplace,” said Bill Eaton, chairman of the board for Cini•Little. “She has revitalized our global brand, rejuvenated our corporate culture and given us a clear vision for the future.”