Many organizations honored achievement and recognized new talent with hirings and promotions throughout the month of February.
Truck, trailer, and body OEMs
Great Dane hired Robert P. France as the company’s newest executive vice president and chief human resources officer. In his new role, France will work with Great Dane leadership to shape the company’s talent strategy. Prior to this appointment, France held various leadership positions at Corning Incorporated for 23 years, most recently as senior vice president and chief human resources officer.
Jake Montero has been promoted to general manager for Peterbilt and PACCAR vice president. Prior to his appointment, Montero served as Peterbilt assistant general manager in Sales and Marketing for two years and has been with PACCAR for 19 years. Erik Johnson has also been named Peterbilt assistant GM of Sales and Marketing and worked with PACCAR for 19 years.
Suppliers and distributors
Elgin Industries has appointed Susan Liddi as chief financial officer of the company. Liddi joined Elgin in early 2024 as the company’s controller, but will now be responsible for various financial, risk management, Capex, and compliance, duties. Prior to joining Elgin, Liddi served as general manager of IT Managed Services for the Mechdyne Corporation, and before that, as finance operations director for The Recycling Partnership.
Bob Erexson has retired from Polar King International after 41 years of service. Erexson first joined Polar King in 1983 as a production employee, eventually growing into roles such as final assembly foreman, production supervisor, and plant manager. He served as plant manager until his retirement on January 14, 2025.
BOSS Industries promoted Neal Roberts from outside sales support to North Central regional sales manager. Roberts has worked with Boss for almost seven years, beginning his career as an automotive technician in La Porte, Indiana, before working at Gates Automotive for a little over a year. He then returned to Boss in 2020 and moved into various sales positions.
Ben Decker has been promoted to Gold Eagle Company’s new private brands national account manager. In his new role, Decker will report to Senior Director — Private Brand Sales Brant Sarkisian, and he will manage the company’s original equipment manufacturer and private brand accounts while securing new ones. Decker last served as director of solutions implementation for Kem Krest, prior to which he was director of operations.
Associations
Carey Chen has joined The American Welding Society (AWS) as the company’s executive director and chief executive officer. Chen succeeds Robert Roth, who served as interim executive director and CEO. Prior to joining AWS, Chen served as CEO for Fathom Digital Manufacturing Solutions, Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions, and Incodema Holdings. He has also volunteered with AWS and the AWS Foundation since 2007.
Dealers
Sunstate Equipment has appointed Norty Turner as president and CEO starting February 10, 2025. Turner succeeds Chris Watts, who will retire at the end of March after nearly 30 years of service. Turner has spent three decades in the equipment rental industry, most recently as United Rentals senior vice president of Services and Advanced Solutions, before which he worked as CEO of RIWAL.