NEWS Graby named CEO of Amesbury and Truth Hardware tyman, the parent company of both Amesbury and truth hardware, has announced senior management changes as part of the integration of the businesses after the acquisition of truth in July 2013. Jeff Graby, currently president of truth hardware has assumed the role of president and CEo for the combined Amesbury and truth organizations. Graby joined truth in 2012 and oversaw the divestment of the business from Melrose to tyman. Prior to that he held a number of senior management positions within Interface solutions, RAM Industries and FEs systems. Jonathan Petromelis, currently CEo of Amesbury, has made the decision to further his career outside of the tyman Group. Following a period of handover he will advise on integration initiatives before leaving the business. In addition, Mike McCann has joined the company to oversee sales activity across both brands as senior vice-president of sales. McCann brings sales and marketing experience from senior roles, most recently with Guardian Industries were he was VP Global sales. INdUstRY Thomsen steps down, Baird to lead Guardian flat glass K evin Baird has been named president of the Global Flat Glass Group for Guardian Industries Corp., and will assume full P&L responsibility of this business. Baird replaces scott thomsen, who has resigned for health reasons. Most recently, Baird has been president and CEo of sRG Global, a Guardian company. sRG Global is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of chrome plated plastic parts for the automotive, commercial truck and household appliance industries. since joining the company in 2008, Baird created a world-class leadership team and strengthened and expanded sRG Global’s manufacturing position in major world markets including North America, Western and Central Europe and China. “this will be a seamless transition for our customers and Guardian,” said Ron Vaupel, CEo of Guardian Industries. “Kevin brings to our Flat Glass Group a proven record that parallels our objective to create long-term value with a strong focus on innovation. he will be supported by a seasoned global lead-ership team ready to reinforce this vision. our customers can be assured of Guardian’s continued commitment to their success.” 6 FEBRUARY 2014 | GLASS CANADA dave Prater, sRG vice-president of engineer-ing, commercial and program management, will move into the position of president and CEo of sRG Global. thomsen joined Guardian at its science and technology Center in 1999 and was responsible for directing research and devel-opment initiatives while playing a vital role in bringing innovative products to market. Before being named Global Flat Glass presi-dent in 2011, he was group vice-president of North American Flat Glass operations, and chief technology officer. “scott’s vision, leadership and boundless energy have helped transform Guardian into an industry leader in product research and innovation,” said Vaupel. “he was instrumental in the develop-ment of our science and technology Center and went on to lead North America and then Global Flat Glass with an unrivaled passion and dedication to our customers, this company and its people.” According to Vaupel, thomsen continues to work with Guardian on critical initiatives on a con-sultancy basis, adding, “We all stand behind scott’s decision and are excited that he will support Guardian moving forward.”
Glass Canada February 2014: Page 6
