WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Key Technology, a Duravant brand, announced Oct. 29 that Daniel Leighty has been promoted to global vice president of sales for the company. Leighty previously served as global sales operations and managing director of a Key Technology facility in the Netherlands. He has been working for the company since 2007.

“During his 12 years with Key, Dan has held a number of sales and management positions with increasing responsibilities. He has the leadership skills to inspire and support our salespeople to deliver the best customer experiences. Plus, he thoroughly understands our technologies and the nuances of regional markets around the world,” said Louis Vintro, senior vice president of new products and business development at Key.

Aside from his 12-year tenure with Key, Leighty brings more than 25 years of sales experience to his new role. Leighty will remain the managing director of Key’s Netherlands facility.

“This is an exciting time to lead Key’s talented sales team. With our next-generation VERYX® digital sorters and the continuous evolution of our best-in-class Iso-Flo® conveyors, we’re partnering with customers to solve even more production challenges,” Leighty said. “By helping food processors improve their product quality while increasing their yields and reducing their operating costs, we’re expanding existing core markets and cultivating new opportunities.”

Leighty received his bachelor’s in business management from Oregon State University.

Key Technology operates two production facilities in the US, in Walla Walla and Redmond, Oregon, as well as plants in Beusichem, the Netherlands and Hasselt, Belgium. It is a member of the Duravant family of operating companies, which is a global equipment engineering company based in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.