John W. Risner has been named chairman of the board of directors of Accuride Corp., replacing William M. Lasky, who chose not to seek re-election to the post. Risner was the lead independent director.
Lasky served as Accuride’s interim president & CEO from September 2008 through February 2011 while the company searched for a permanent replacement to the previous CEO. During that time he led the company through a four-month restructuring and secured relisting of the company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2010. Lasky continued to serve as chairman of the board of directors until the recent conclusion of his term.
“Rick Dauch has done a tremendous job as president & CEO of Accuride during the past year,” said Lasky. “He and his leadership team have made significant progress in developing and executing the company’s ‘Fix and Grow’ strategy and are solidly on track to restore Accuride as a dependable supplier to customers and profitable investment for stockholders. I am confident that the company’s future is in capable hands.”
A member of the Accuride board since February 2010, Risner has significant finance, directorship, and corporate governance experience, including a tenure as president of The Children’s Tumor Foundation since 2005.
From 1997 to 2002, Risner served as a senior vice president and senior portfolio manager – high yield bonds at AIG/Sun America Asset Management.
“On behalf of Accuride’s board of directors, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Bill for his service to the company,” said Risner. “Bill stepped forward to lead Accuride through a challenging and pivotal period in the company’s history as interim president & CEO and then remained in a leadership role to ensure a smooth transition to the new board of directors and Rick Dauch as the succeeding chief executive officer. He leaves the board with Accuride well positioned for future growth and development. I look forward to working closely with the board and Accuride’s leadership team to continue those efforts.”
