Autocrat LCC, an established coffee roaster, manufacturer of premium coffee extracts, and supplier of tea and botanical extracts, has announced the promotion of Stephen M. Olyha from vice president of sales to chief operating officer. By placing an emphasis on partnering with customers to provide innovative solutions that offer a competitive edge in the global food and beverage industry, Mr. Olyha was successful in leading Autocrat to a record year in 2012 followed by a record first quarter in 2013. 

In his new executive management position of COO, Mr. Olyha will be responsible for providing strategic direction, managing sales processes and driving company growth. He will report directly to the CEO Patrick Holmes, and oversee sales, R&D and operations to ensure that goals are met and are in alignment with overall business objectives and external expectations.

“We are very pleased to promote Steve to this new position,” said Mr. Holmes. “Steve has a tremendous amount of experience that will support Autocrat’s mission to provide the highest level of customer service with a clear focus on continued company growth.”

Mr. Olyha brings to the company over 25 years professional experience across multiple business environments.  He began his career at General Foods Corporation, White Plains, N.Y., in the Maxwell House Division. Most recently, he served as CEO of REV2Networks, Valhalla, N.Y., a privately held software and solutions company specializing in business performance improvement and enterprise risk management. Prior to that position, Mr. Olyha served as vice president of World-Wide Sales for Unisys Corporation, Blue Bell, Pa., before serving as vice president and managing partner of their Global Competency Center.

Mr. Olyha holds a bachelor of business administration degree in management from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y., and also attended the Iona MBA program at the Hagan School of Business. Among his many professional associations, he is a guest lecturer at Iona College and is a member/speaker of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.