GLENDALE HEIGHTS, ILL. — Howard Eirinberg has been named chief executive officer of Kronos Foods, Inc., a privately held manufacturer of gyros and other Mediterranean and specialty foods. He succeeds Michael Austin, who has been named chairman of Kronos.

Mr. Eirinberg joined Kronos in 2011 to lead all sales and marketing initiatives for the company’s wide-ranging operations in meat, bakery, dairy, dessert, restaurant and distribution. He helped grow Kronos’s sales by launching new products like chicken shawarma into the club and food service channels.

Before joining Kronos he was president and chief operating officer of Vienna Beef, Ltd., a Chicago-based manufacturer of hot dogs, sausages and other specialty foods, where he oversaw the company’s national food service and retail businesses. Earlier he ran the food service division of Fresh Express, Inc., a fresh-cut vegetable processor, and held senior sales and marketing positions at salad dressings manufacturer Richelieu Foods, Inc. and food conglomerate The Quaker Oats Co.

“The continued popularity of Mediterranean cuisine combined with emerging healthy and convenient eating trends has provided us with a unique opportunity to expand our food service presence while also introducing our products into a variety of other markets, including retail, club and convenience stores,” Mr. Eirinberg said. “Kronos’s dedicated team of skilled professionals is fully committed to bringing innovative and delicious new product options to food service and beyond.”