Bio

Keith Jaffee’s career has spanned over 3 decades with a focus on buying and building companies in consumer products and commercial foodservice equipment. He is a hands-on operator focused on process improvement, brand building, and acquisitions that offer value creation through synergy and consolidation. Keith has had the opportunity to serve as both Chairman of the International Housewares Association (IHA) and the first 2-year President of the North American Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM). The IHA honored him in 2013 with the Humanitarian of the Year award. NAFEM in 2015 honored him with the Lifetime Achievement award. Most recently, he co-founded an equity investment firm, Middleton Partners. In the last 5 years, Middleton has invested $250MM in real estate and operating businesses. Charity has been an important part of Keith’s life for many years, including active involvement with the Jesse White Foundation, Holy Trinity High School, Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, Clearbrook, and Housewares Charity Foundation. For the last 8 years, he has been a clinical associate professor at Northwestern University teaching a course in the Master of Product Design and Development Management program. Keith has 3 adult children and he and his wife are looking forward to grandchildren.