The Board of Directors of Exide Technologies, a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, announced today that James R. Bolch has been appointed president & CEO of the Company, effective July 26, and that he will also join the Exide Board of Directors at that time. Bolch will succeed Gordon A. Ulsh, Exide’s current CEO, who will retire and step down from the board on July 26. Ulsh, 64, who has served Exide in this leadership capacity since April of 2005, had previously informed the board of his intention to retire as part of the vompany’s long-term succession planning process. Jim Bolch, 52, currently serves as senior vp & president, Industrial Technologies Sector at Ingersoll Rand Co.
“The Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive review of a strong field of candidates and has the utmost confidence in Jim Bolch,” said John P. Reilly, chairman of the board of Exide Technologies. “He is the ideal leader for Exide, combining deep operational acumen with a proven track record of driving innovation and strategic growth. His broad expertise and insights will be instrumental in strengthening Exide’s position as an integrated global supplier of environmentally sound energy storage products and solutions for traditional and alternative energy markets – building on the successful model that Gordon Ulsh and his team have executed during the past five years.”
Bolch brings to Exide a career spanning 29 years in global industrial businesses serving a variety of customer segments. Since 2005, he has led the $2.2 billion Industrial Technologies Sector of Ingersoll Rand, with multiple business lines and 25 global manufacturing sites, serving every part of the world through 10,000 employees. The sector’s businesses include air compressors, tools, materials handling, fluid handling and compact vehicles. In this role, Bolch drove operational improvements and implemented innovation processes to drive revenue growth and profitability for the business while increasing focus on customer satisfaction.
A native of Shreveport, LA, Bolch earned a Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane University and the University of Florida, respectively. He has also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
“I am honored and proud to succeed Gordon Ulsh,” said Bolch. “With its innovative technologies and rapidly expanding R&D and engineering initiatives, technology partnerships, a growing service business and the right mix of people, processes and products, Exide is well positioned to accelerate its growth in today’s dynamic and challenging marketplace.”
