President and CEO
Sub-Zero Group Inc. |Â Madison
James Bakke represents the third generation of family leadership at Sub-Zero Group Inc., serving as the longtime president and chief executive officer of the Madison-based manufacturer of refrigeration, freezer and wine storage products.
Sub-Zero operates production facilities in Madison, Fitchburg, Phoenix, Goodyear (Arizona) and Richmond (Kentucky). Under his leadership, the company completed a $62 million expansion at its Fitchburg plant to accommodate an additional 300 employees, and it is now investing $140.6 million in a new 400,000-square-foot assembly facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That project, which is expected to be completed in 2025, will create 192 jobs, according to the company.
Earlier in his tenure, the company acquired Wolf Range Co., expanding its product line to include residential cooking appliances such as cooktops, wall ovens, warming drawers and ventilation systems. Sub-Zero has also introduced the Cove brand of dishwashers and various wine storage equipment under his leadership. Before becoming president, he spent a decade in various roles within the family business.
Through its philanthropic arm, Sub-Zero has committed to giving $1.2 million to nonprofits, with a focus on innovation in the food ecosystem. Among its partnerships, Sub-Zero gave $500,000 to the River Food Pantry in Madison, which serves more than 2,500 individuals weekly.
Bakke has served on the board of directors for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, PDQ Corp. and the Madison Ronald McDonald House.
Education: Bachelor’s, UW-Madison
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Manufacturing
President and CEO
Sub-Zero group Inc. | Madison
James Bakke has led Sub-Zero Group for the past 30 years. He represents the third generation of family leadership at the Madison-based manufacturer of refrigeration, freezer and wine storage products. Sub-Zero operates production facilities in Madison, Fitchburg; Phoenix and Goodyear, Arizona; and Richmond, Kentucky. In recent years, it has completed a $62 million expansion of its Fitchburg plant to accommodate another 300 employees. This year, the company announced plans to build a 400,000-square-foot assembly plan in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The $140.6 million project is expected to create 192 jobs.
Earlier under Bakke’s leadership, the company acquired Wolf Range Co., adding residential cooking appliances – such as cooktops, wall ovens, warming drawers and ventilation equipment – to its portfolio. In 2018, the company launched the Cove brand of dishwashers. Also during his tenure, Sub-Zero has introduced product lines, including various types of wine storage equipment.
Bakke has served on the board of directors of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, PDQ Corp. and the Madison Ronald McDonald House. Before becoming president, Bakke spent 10 years working in various positions within the family business. He began his career in 1977 as a sales representative with Oscar Mayer Inc.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
