Polar Corporation has named Robert D Denious president and chief executive officer of the company. Denious is managing director at Questor Management Company LLC, which manages Questor Partners Fund II LP, Polar's majority shareholder. He was Polar's president and CEO for a period in 2009 and has since worked closely with its senior management team as board chair. Denious succeeds Ted Fick, who has resigned to pursue other interests.
Polar Tank Trailer has hired Frank Wohletz as division controller. He previously was chief financial officer at Microbiologics, a medical device manufacturer. Wohletz worked at Polar Corporation from 1993 to 1999 and served as the company's controller from 1995 to 1999.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc (MFTA) announced that Mutsumi Miwa is returning to its US headquarters as chief financial officer. He first served MFTA as treasurer, and in 1997 was promoted to CFO, holding that position until 2000, when he returned to Japan. Since 2000, Miwa has held several posts in the financial offices of MFTA's parent company, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation.
Great Dane has added Dan Schock as purchasing manager for its Aftermarket Parts Division. He will oversee all purchasing functions at the Terre Haute Parts Distribution Center. Schock has 30 years of experience in the heavy-duty industry, most recently with Whiting Door Manufacturing, where he served as an area manager.
The Reading Group LLC has named Ken Spear vice-president of engineering. He previously held senior engineering management and executive leadership positions at HARDI North America, Bush Hog LLC, Dixon Industries, and Ames True Temper. Reading has named Bob Besse vice-president of sales and marketing. Besse previously held senior sales and marketing management positions at Supreme Corporation, Grumman Olson, and Dover-Chief Automotive Systems. Susan Mitchell is Reading's new director, human resources.She brings 20-plus years of HR experience in heavy manufacturing, alternative energy, and distribution environments at Cambridge Lee Industries, Allied Wire and Cable, and International Battery Inc.
Shawn King, previously Wastequip's vice-president of sales, has been named president of the mobile products division, with responsibility for the Galbreath, Cusco, Mountain Tarp/Pioneer, and Parts Place brands. Connie Lepley has been hired as general manager for Galbreath. She brings experience in plant operations and business unit leadership, primarily in the automotive industry, to her new role. Anne Brantley has been promoted to director of product management for the mobile products division. She was previously the product manager for Wastequip's container division. Brian Hatter has been hired as general manager for tarps. He has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles in the automotive industry. Chris Nicolazzo was promoted to vice-president of finance for the mobile division. Nicolazzo previously served as controller for the tarps group.