Dewatering and bypass pump manufacturer Thompson Pump has announced the promotion of Bobby Zitzka to vice president of sales and marketing. The news comes as longtime Thompson veteran John Farrell retires from the role.

“The years I spent working with John were the most formative and gave me a solid foundation to help Thompson Pump build towards the future,” Zitzka says. “As the company continues to grow, I’m excited to help with several initiatives to take Thompson Pump to the next level as an industry leader, just like John always did.”

Zitzka began his career at Thompson Pump in 2002 as the Branch Manager for the company’s owned rental branch in Orlando, Florida, where hear earned 2007 Branch Manager of the Year. He ascended to national sales manager in 2013, moving to Thompson Pump’s corporate headquarters. There, he worked closely with Farrell to learn the company’s distribution network and national accounts. The men worked together to bring in additional large accounts, with Zitzka helping to close the largest sale in company history. Zitzka is also part of Thompson Pump’s executive management team.

Farrell retires after 38 years at the company. He rose in the ranks from purchasing agent to purchasing manager and then regional sales manager. In 2002, he was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing.

In the release, the company credits Farrell with helping to establish and grow partnerships with national rental companies, distributors and vendors. He also traveled the world meeting with customers, attending tradeshow and growing the company’s international and municipal business, as well as its dealer and distributor network. The company serves more than 40 business partners across the U.S. and Canada.

“I am humbled and proud to have been such an integral part of the Thompson Pump team … to have helped this company exceed all expectations and grow to be the industry leader it is,” Farrell says. “I will miss being at Thompson Pump each day, but I will be keeping in and staying a part of the family.”

Chris Thompson, president of Thompson Pump, commended Ferrell’s work over the years.

“John is and always will be a friend to coworkers, customers and competitors across the globe, and to us,” he says. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without him and we are forever grateful. I know the team is in very capable hands with Bobby and we are looking forward to seeing just how far he can take us.”

Pat Broderick assumes the national sales manager role left by Zitzka.

“For nearly 20 years, I’ve been a part of helping Thompson Pump grow and expand and I’m excited for the opportunity to further that growth,” Broderick says. “I am grateful to John for showing me the way that will help me build Thompson Pumps partnership network for years to come.”

Thompson — family owned since 1970 — manufactures a variety of pumps ranging in size from two to 18 inches and with capacities up to 14,000 gpm. The Florida-based company sells and rents its entire line to customers in sectors including public works, construction, agriculture and mining. The company operates 21 branches throughout the United States and has a worldwide network of distributors. It also has achieved ISO 9001 quality certification for their Port Orange, Fla., manufacturing facility. For more information, call 800-767-7310 or visit www.thompsonpump.com.