Heritage Distribution Holdings, an Atlanta-based market-leading wholesale distributor of HVAC/R equipment, parts, supplies, and customer service backed by leading middle-market private equity firm Gryphon Investors, announced that Brian J. Sasadu has joined the company as chief human resources officer, reporting to CEO Chief Executive Officer Alex Averitt.

Sasadu has over 20 years of human capital and legal experience in distribution, manufacturing, and service organizations, with a track record of building best-in-class HR techniques, processes, and programs. In his role, he will have responsibility for developing and executing high-impact human capital strategies, programs, and services that engage employees, drive business results, and support the strategic growth of the company. 

Craig Nikrant, operating partner at Gryphon, said, "We are excited to welcome Brian to Heritage as we put together a best-in-the-industry management team with the background and expertise to profitably scale the business." 

Sasadu was most recently the chief human resources officer at BlueLinx Holdings Inc., a wholesale distributor of building materials and industrial products. Prior to that, he held a variety of leadership roles at Coca-Cola Refreshments (formerly Coca-Cola Enterprises), ultimately serving as the senior vice president of human resources responsible for human resources for the manufacturing and distribution assets of The Coca-Cola Company in the United States and Canada.

Sasadu started his professional career at King & Spalding LLP, an international law firm, where he focused on representation and counsel to management on a wide range of labor and employment compliance and litigation matters. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.

"Brian's strong business acumen, diverse manufacturing and distribution background, and expertise in guiding people strategy in organizations makes him extremely well qualified to lead our human capital efforts in our next phase of growth," said Mr. Averitt. "I am very excited to have Brian join our leadership team. I know he will help design and foster an environment for all employees that will allow them to maximize their potential and help us realize our strategic goals, all while maintaining the Company's distinctive culture."