Jack Gisinger, currently head of the Powered Vehicle Systems Business Unit for SAF-Holland Group, will take over as president of the company’s American subsidiary, SAF-Holland Inc., on Jan. 2, 2011.
Gisinger will replace Sam Martin, who is stepping down at the end of the year. It is expected that Martin will be nominated to the join the board of directors at the company’s annual meeting in April.
In addition to Gisinger’s appointment, Detlef Borghardt will take over as deputy CEO of the entire group, responsible for strategic planning. SAF-Holland said it is eliminating the COO position, Borghardt’s current position, in a restructuring of responsibilities.
The rest of the SAF-Holland Group’s management board will remain the same with Rudi Ludwig staying as CEO, Wilfried Trepels as CFO and Steffen Schewerda as head of group operations.
The management moves are part of a corporate restructuring led by Dr. Martin Kleinschmitt, who was brought aboard with the title of chief restructuring officer. With the restructuring now completed, Kleinschmitt is also resigning, according to SAF-Holland.
“Sam Martin’s decision to end his active career marks the departure of a strong leader who had a formative influence on the company,” said Bernhard Schneider, chairman of the board. “He made a vital contribution to SAF-Holland, a company recognized today as a technology leader and a strong brand in many of our international markets. The Board would like to thank Sam, also on behalf of all his colleagues and staff, for the outstanding work he has done. Jack Gisinger and Detlef Borghardt are recognized market experts who will continue to pursue our corporate strategy and we are very pleased that they have taken on these new responsibilities.”
Gisinger and Borghardt were each appointed to the management board in June 2007 during SAF-Holland’s initial public stock offering. Borghardt is in charge of the Trailer Systems Business Unit. Both he and Gisinger will continue to oversee their respective groups in addition to their new duties.
