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Recent hires, promotions and an obituary

Rainbow Rubber announced that Jonathan Rufe will be North American Sales Manager, effective Jan. 1, 2025. He joined the company in 2014, covering sales in New England and Canada, and thrived in those territories. Throughout his tenure at Rainbow, he has held many other responsibilities, such as marketing, trade show production and new product development. Most recently, he hired and managed agents in Canada and Mexico to expand those markets while maintaining his own territory and being a product specialist. He holds a B.A. degree in political science and government from Lafayette College, and recently completed an MBA program at Lehigh University.

Andree Cziczkat has joined Proton Products as global metals market manager. He most recently was account manager metal EMEA for Nordson Company, where he started out in 2008 as a regional sales manager EMEA. Prior to that he worked for four years for Iris GmbH and three years for Elco Pro GmbH. He holds an HF degree, electro-optic, medical technics, from Ruhr University Bochum. Based in the U.K., Proton Products Group is a leading manufacturer of instrumentation and control equipment for use in industrial production.

Amy Theobald Poras has been promoted to sales manager - east region at GEON Performance Solutions. She joined the company in 2021 as a wire and cable sales team leader. She previously worked as an application development manager for Coventus Polymers, as market development manager for wire and cable for Nexeo Plastics, sales manager southeast market for The Chemical Company and customer success director for Vendavo. Based in Westlake, Ohio, GEON Performance Solutions supplies PVC compounds, polyolefin products and engineered polymers.

Matteo Nascetti has been named General Manager Italy for SAMP. He has two decades of experience in the field of automated machinery and precision mechanics and is known for his strong focus on enhancing production processes and successfully integrating new technologies to improve corporate efficiency. He has worked extensively in developing economies, optimizing processes and driving local growth. Based in Bologna, Italy, the SAMP Group is a global supplier of wire and cable machinery.

ICE Cable Systems recently announced the filling of two positions. Jay Heffernan was named vice president of sales, East Coast. He has more than 30 years of security business expertise. He began his career as a manufacturer’s representative, managing key territories in New England and upstate New York, where his efforts contributed to company growth ahead of its acquisition. Amberly Rhyne was named the new East Coast regional sales representative. She has commercial ProAV sales experience in the CEDIA market that includes her working as a regional sales manager for Herman ProAV. Based in Austin, Texas, ICE Cable Systems makes low-voltage wire and cable products for residential and commercial channels.

Chris Adams has joined RF Industries, Inc., as a national key account manager - integrators. He has 30 years of experience in technical sales and marketing. He most recently was MNO sales director- East Coast for Communication Technology Services. Past employers included Huber + Suher, where he was a business unit manager for wireless products; Radio Frequency Systems, where he was global/NA product manager; Amphenol TimesFiber, where he was director of business development; and RFS, where he was Northeast district sales manager. Based in San Diego, California, RF Industries manufactures a broad range of interconnect products that include cables and wire harnesses.

Obituary

Carl P. Sjogren, the owner and president of Sjogren Industries, died from cancer on Nov. 2, 2024, at age 65.

Carl Sjogren joined the family company after graduating from Worcester Academy. His industry story, however, started back in 1888, when an eight-year-old Swedish immigrant, Oscar Sjogren, came to the U.S., ultimately settling in Worcester, Massachusetts, working as a machinist in the local wire mills. In 1927, after working at American Steel and Wire, U.S. Steel and Wickwire Spencer Steel, he started Sjogren and Sons in his two-car garage. The company thrived by supporting the domestic wire industries until his passing in 1957.

After inheriting the business from their father, Oscar’s sons, Richard and Walter, continued to grow and expand the company. The name changed to Sjogren Tool and Machine, and it continued its growth through the 60s and 70s with Richard’s sons—Richard and Robert—manning the helm. At this time, Sjogren carried a workforce of 150 employees in five separate divisions.

The recession of the early 80s forced Sjogren into bankruptcy court and it was taken over by MFA. In 1986, Carl Sjogren, then 27, bought the wire tooling division back. The initial purchase consisted of blueprints, customer lists, inventory and special tooling. He led the company through a tremendous period of growth, expanding sales into Europe, and later launched a new plant, Sjogren Manufacturing, Inc., in Worcester.

Today, the company’s machinery, tooling and accessories are sold worldwide with distributors located in Europe, South America, Asia, and Mexico. During the past 10 years, Carl Sjogren worked with his team to develop 12 new products to launch into the market over time to aid in efficiency and ease of use by workers on wire-drawing lines. He continued to work as he could, still contributing within a week of his passing.

Carl was predeceased by his father, Richard C. Sjogren. Survivors include his mother, Cora; his wife, Cheryl; his son, Dylan; his brother, Buddy; his sister, Wendy; and nieces and nephews. 

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Last modified on December 2, 2024

Recent hires and promotions

Tyler Faille has joined Hueson Wire & Cable as operations manager, responsible for the company’s production, quality, materials and facilities teams. He most recently worked for seven years for Winchester Interconnect (formerly C&M Corporation), where he served in various leadership roles, including as production manager. He holds a B.S. degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Earlier this year, Brian Harvie joined the company as vice president of technology, responsible for product engineering, quality and IT with a focus on digital transformation. He most recently worked for Proterial Cable America for nearly four years, and prior to that worked 21 years for TE Connectivity. He holds an MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Mark Reinbold has joined the company as an outside sales engineer, based out of the St. Louis region. He most recently was a territory manager for IEWC. He has 35 years of industry experience, starting out by designing wiring harnesses. He holds a B.S. degree in engineering from the University of Missouri. Based in Grafton, Massachusetts, Hueson Wire & Cable manufactures custom wire and cable solutions for multiple applications.

 David Skaggs has been promoted to North America drawing market manager at BECHEM Lubrication Technology, LLC. In 2015 he joined the company where prior to his promotion he was a technical sales and applications engineer. He worked for eight years for Superior Essex, where he had served as a senior product engineer, engineering and maintenance manager and a manufacturing manager. Prior to that he worked 11 years for Reelcraft Industries, Inc., in a range of engineering and managing positions. Based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and part of Germany’s Carl Bechem GmbH, Bechem Lubrication Technology, LLC, supplies specialty lubricants and metal-working fluids.

Craig Wire Products reported two employee hires. Octavio Franco has joined the company as its sales agent for Mexico. He has been active in the industrial market, serving as procurement director for Potencia Industrial, where he has worked for 10 years in Mexico City. He also has five years of experience in related electrical insulation working for Kobaltec, a Mexican distributor. Lori Fridlin has joined the company as its magnet wire account manager. She will focus on the transformer markets in the U.S. and Canada. She has years of experience in the magnet wire industry, including nearly three years with Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire, where she was a national account manager. She holds a degree in business administration from the University of Missouri. Based in Douglasville, Georgia, Craig Wire Products manufactures magnet wire and copper wire.

Natalia Scherbakoff has been appointed chief technology officer for Orion. She most recently worked for Trinseo, a specialty materials company, where she served as the vice president of technology innovation, overseeing global research, development and technology innovation. Prior to Trinseo, she was vice president of research innovation & product lines at Plastic Omnium, a French automotive supplier, general manager of Specialty Composites and director of Global Innovation at Owens Corning. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. degrees in macromolecular science from Case Western Reserve University, and a chemical engineering degree from Mauá Engineering University and an MBA from Getulio Vargas Foundation (Brazil). Based in Germany, Orion’s product lines include carbon black.

 

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New hires and promotions

TiniFiber reported several management changes. Tom Artinian is the new CEO. He has 30 years of leadership experience in fiber optics and cabling, most recently serving as CFO and president at the wire and cable division of Hitachi Metals, now known as Proterial Ltd. During his time there, he spearheaded transformational initiatives that expanded the company into new markets and achieved double-digit growth, as well as navigating the division during the ownership transition to Proterial Ltd. He replaces Christian Peterson, TiniFiber’s founder and outgoing CEO, who will transition to chairman. Ken Consalvo was promoted to operations manager at Proterial Cable USA. He joined the company in 2023 as a senior process engineer, and prior to that was a process engineering supervisor for Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure Operations, and a quality assurance manager for Alphagary. His extensive manufacturing experience includes seven years at Data Guide Cable and 28 years at Mohawk Wire, Belden/CDT. Based in Lindenhurst, New York, USA, TiniFiber manufactures micro armor fiber optic cables.

The American Wire Group has named Amy Sadusky as vice president of regional sales, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic. She most recently was a senior sales associate with Venus Power-Com Supply, and prior to that worked for 17 years for companies that included Total Electrical Distributors, Clear-VU Lighting, Eaton’s Crouse-Hinds Business and the Prysmian Group, where she was a regional sales manager for five years. Based in Aventura, Florida, the American Wire Group manufactures wire and cable for multiple markets, such as power transmission/distribution, substation, solar and EV.

Simone Badini is the new technical department manager for the SAMP Group in Italy. He most recently worked nearly 12 years for Italy’s IMA Group, where he began as an R&D engineer in 2013 and was promoted to positions that included mechanical engineering manager. Based in Bologna, Italy, the SAMP Group makes nonferrous wire pressing equipment, from multiwire drawing systems to insulation and jacketing lines.

John Orona was named business development manager for Remee Wire and Cable. He has extensive manufacturing experience, most recently at Clark Wire & Cable, where he worked for eight years, most recently as director of broadcast sales. He has decades of prior sales and managing experience at companies that include Lake Cable, Gepco International, Isotec Inc., Wire and Cable Specialties and Rome Cable. Based in Florida, New York, Remee Wire and Cable manufactures electronic wire and cable, both copper and fiber optic cable.

Earlier this year, Chroma Color Corporation promoted Joe Herres from vice president of sales and marketing to CEO. He joined the company in 2023. Prior to that he had worked two separate stints, totaling some 15 years with Spartech LLS, where he was vice president sales and marketing and global sales director. He worked for five years for PolyOne, where he was commercial director, and three years with Polymer Extruded Products as national sales manager. He holds a degree in business administration and management from Washburn University. Based in McHenry, Illinois, Chroma Color Corporation supplies specialty color and additive concentrates.

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Last modified on October 3, 2024

Hires and promotions

Paul Lorigan has joined Benvic USA as sales and technical director. He most recently was manager technology & laboratory services for M. Holland Company for nearly seven years, and prior to that worked for nine years as technical director of T&T Marketing, Inc., which was acquired by M. Holland in 2017. His industry career began in 1981, when he was a product development engineer for Anaconda Wire and Cable, followed by seven years at BP America Chemicals Company and nine years at AT Plastics. Based in Easton Pennsylvania, Benvic USA is a custom compound supplier for sectors that include the wire and cable industry.

John Maul has joined Vincent-Angel, Inc. as a business development and contractor salesman. He has years of experience in construction, and most recently worked for Ecolab. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Vincent-Angel, Inc., represents electrical manufacturers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Radix reported two recent hires. Matt McConnell is the company’s new DuraLife inside sales representative. He has more than 15 years of prior experience in the electrical industry. with strong expertise in lighting products and applications. He is customer focused and experienced in technical sales. He holds an associate’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and an associate’s degree in computer drafting and design. Diane Pinkey is a customer service representative for the company’s DuraLife Fire Protection Team. She has more than 15 years of prior experience in manufacturing and another 15 years of prior experience in retail. She has an associate’s degree in e-commerce/business management and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management at Cleveland State University. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Radix is a leading manufacturer of UL, CSA and factory-rated electrical wire and cable for high performance, extreme temperature applications.

Leigh-Ann Nalle was promoted to HR administrator at Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., Inc. She joined the company in 2021 as an HR/payroll associate. She holds a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) issued by the Society for Human Resource Management. Based in Ware, Massachusetts, Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., Inc., is a manufacturer of electronic cables for numerous industrial, commercial, audio/visual/lighting and general-purpose applications.

Alben Roland has been hired as a specification engineer at RSCC Wire & Cable, part of Marmon Electrical. His industry career started in 1992, when he was a design engineer at Trilogy Engineering Services for two years, then in that same role for two years with Belden Inc., followed by 20 years with General Cable, where he worked in multiple engineering leadership roles through 2017. He then held other positions at industry companies that included the TriCab Group and Winchester Interconnect. In 2023 he launched R&S Wire & Cable Consulting, working on projects that included new product development, quality troubleshooting and regulatory approvals. He holds a B.S. degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Mississippi State University. Based in East Granby, Connecticut, RSCC Wire & Cable, is a division of The Marmon Group, a manufacturer of high-performance power, instrumentation, control, specialty electronic and electrical cables.

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Recent hires, promotions and an obituary

Aaron Folkening was named president of Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure (IEI). He has a proven history of leadership of the company’s business unit, having been part of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company and parent company of Marmon IEI, since 2007. He has served as the vice president of finance for four groups, most recently serving within Marmon’s Electrical Group. He succeeds Chris Venice, who retired as president of Marmon IEI after 20 years. He will serve as a senior vice president for Marmon IEI, focusing on key strategic initiatives and remaining a trusted business advisor for the IEI team. Based in East Granby, Connecticut, Marmon IEI, a division of Marmon Electrical, offers a wide range of wire and cable products and solutions.

OmniCable, LLC, reported multiple recent additions to personnel. Jeremy Crosby is the company’s national account manager. He has more than eight years of experience in the electrical industry. He previously was the regional sales manager at nVent Hoffman, and previously ran several CED locations in the Southeast. New appointments for the company’s Communications Business Unit include Todd Rhen, vice president of broadband sales, who is responsible for a team consisting of both outside and inside sales personnel. He has more than 26 years of industry experience, most recently as senior vice president of sales at Comstar Supply for nearly 10 years. He also held similar sales and leadership roles at Graybar, Prysmian, Draka and Alcatel. Steven Scudder joins OmniCable as outside sales manager – broadband. He held senior sales roles with OFS, Prysmian, Superior Essex and American Polywater, among others. Lacy Worn is a key account manager – enterprise. He has over 20 years of experience as a sales leader and contributor at Wesco/CSC. He will support the company’s southern region. Based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, OmniCable LLC is a redistributor selling wire, cable, fiber, and other communications and electrical products exclusively to distributors.

Brad Comstock has been promoted to sales manager for International Wire, High Performance Conductors Division. He joined the company in 2011 as a sales representative for its bare wire division. Based in Inman, South Carolina, the International Wire Group’s High Performance Conductors Division produces specialty high performance conductors for the aerospace, medical, automotive, computer, telecommunications, mass transportation, geophysical and electronics markets.

Obituary
Joseph (Joe/Fuzzy) Frederick Pistell, a longtime employee of R.H. Miller, died at age 91 at his home in Cortland, New York. Pistell earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Syracuse University. He worked as a chemical engineer and sales manager for R.H. Miller, Pennwalt Corporation, for more than 30 years. During his tenure there he developed three products that were patented. He also served for a short time in the U.S. Army and then in the National Guard for eight years. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and friends, especially his best friend of more than 80 years, Harold Miller. He is survived by his sons Joseph and Lee Pistell, a step-daughter, and three great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, René, and daughter, Laura.

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New hires and promotions

Francesco Tutino has been named the new Group Chief HR & Organization Officer for Prysmian. He has more than 20 years of experience in the HR area, having held leadership positions at several multinational companies. He has taken on various roles during his career, including at DENSO and CNH, most recently as chief human resources and IT officer of the Iveco Group. Based in Italy, Prysmian is the world’s largest wire and cable manufacturer.

ICE Cable Systems has named Timothy Copp as its chief operating officer. He is recognized as a leading expert in reel-less cable packaging technology, having spent 21 years with REELEX Packing Solutions, Inc., where his father, Tom Copp, had led the company for 26 years until his retirement in 2021. Timothy Copp served as a brand manager and business development vice president, but he was also recognized for being a very vocal leader in protecting the company’s trademark and speaking out against counterfeit versions of its products. He holds a B.S. degree in entrepreneurial and small business operations from Babson College and an MBA from Western Connecticut State University. He recently served as chairman of CCCA’s (Communications Cable and Connectivity Association) Compliance Committee and as a board member of WCISA (Wire Cable Industry Suppliers Association). Based in Austin, Texas, ICE Cable Systems is a leading brand of premium low-voltage wire and cable products that was an early adopter of REELEX technology for their packaging.

American Wire Group has named Felipe Cam as its Chief Information Officer (CIO), a new position for the business that will see him be responsible for leading and supporting the company’s digital transformation of its networks. He will also play a critical role in integrating and managing technology solutions. He holds a B.S. degree in business from the University of Illinois and an executive
MBA from the University of Miami. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles across logistics, manufacturing and commerce industries. Based in Miami, Florida, American Wire Group is a leading material supplier of wire and cable, and more, for the utility and renewable energy markets.

Davis-Standard has named Brian Anderson as its chief procurement officer, with global responsibility. He has more than 30 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management, holding key roles with Duracell Inc., Robert Bosch and the Marmon Group, among others. He holds a degree in business and education from Illinois State University and a Master’s in the supply chain from Elmhurst University. Based in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, Davis-Standard LLC designs and manufactures extrusion and converting technology.

John Tatum “Tate” Johnson III has joined Mid-South Wire as an account manager for the southeast region. He is the son of company President John T. Johnson, Jr., and is the 3rd generation in the Johnson family’s ownership of the business. Tate worked summers in the rod yard, and spent time with the inside sales department while attending The University of Alabama, where he earned a degree in sports marketing. He started at the company’s Missouri plant, drawing wire and learning the operations side. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Mid-South Wire manufactures products from steel rod to specialty drawn wire.

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Recent hires, promotions and an obit

Encore Wire reported four key positions. Kyle Carter was named a regional vice president of sales. He started as an intern in the sales department in 2009 and was promoted to director of sales in 2019. He holds a B.S. degree in business management and marketing from Oklahoma State University. Dustin Logston was named a regional vice president of sales. He joined Encore Wire in 2009 as an account manager and has served as director of sales since 2016. He holds a B.S. degree in business administration and economics from Austin College. Chris Tucker has been promoted to vice president of non-ferrous metals. He started with the company as a process engineer in 2012 and served as assistant rod mill manager, rod facility manager and, before his promotion, as director of non-ferrous metals. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler. Mike Kammerdiener has been promoted to vice president of engineering. He spent time in three different industries—chemicals, aerospace and demolition—before joining the company in 2012 as an engineering director. He holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Based in McKinney, Texas, Encore Wire is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of copper and aluminum electrical building wire for residential, commercial and industrial use.

 David Skinner was named vice president of operations for Joe Tools. He has 39 years of experience in wire and cable manufacturing, including 34 years with Southwire Company and five years with Honeywell Genesis Cable, starting out as a machine operator and rising to strategic positions such as operations manager, site leader and his most recent post, vice president of industrial manufacturing for Southwire Company. Based in metropolitan Atlanta, Joe Tools is a complete design and manufacturing resource for premium quality extrusion products that include innovative and industry standard crossheads, tips, dies, breaker plates and all accessories.

 Paula Butkevich has joined Hueson Wire & Cable as director of sales and business development. She most recently worked for Proterial Cable America (formerly Hitachi Cable America), where she was senior vice president of sales and business development. While there, she held P&L responsibility for a $50 million + revenue global business unit, restructured the Sales organization, and drove the overall sales strategy for Proterial’s medical vertical. She holds a B.S. degree in human resources management and services from Western Connecticut State University. Based in South Grafton, Massachusetts, Hueson Wire & Cable manufactures custom wire and cable for sectors that include agricultural, industrial automation, lighting and robotics. 

Sjogren Industries reported three recent personnel changes, one of which was the naming of Udo Plocher as the company’s CEO. He has more than 30 years of experience, gathered in various countries and industries. His areas of expertise include industrial engineering, business development, employee development, as well as lean organization and quality management in regulated environments. David Roberge is the new business development manager. He has more than a decade of experience in marketing and growth leadership in B2B manufacturing, driving personal and professional development for teams and revenues in varying industries. Michael Elwell is a sales applications specialist at Sjogren Industries. He has more than 19 years of experience in the wire and cable industry, with past employers including Hueson Wire, EIS Wire and Cable and Quabbin Wire & Cable. Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Sjogren Industries designs and manufactures customized solutions for the wire industry tooling trade.

Eric Peeters has joined Bekaert as Division CEO Construction Decarbonization and as a member of the Bekaert Group Executive. He has 32 years of experience in the field of advanced materials, working at Dow Corning and Dow, serving in a range of general management and executive leadership roles. He most recently had been vice president for sustainability, coatings & performance materials at Dow. He holds an M.S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of Leuven. Based in Zwevegem, Belgium, N.V. Bekaert S.A. is a global company whose primary business is steel wire transformation and coatings.

Northern Cables Inc. named Mike Christiansen as the company’s new Western Canada Territory manager. He has more than 30 years of industry experience, including service as vice-president of sales at Lapp Canada, national sales and product manager for wire and cable at Graybar Canada as well as a 5-year stint at Anixter. Based in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, Northern Cables Inc., specializes in manufacturing armored cable for industrial and commercial markets.

Obituary
Gianpietro Benedetti, a developer of Danieli plant-making and steelmaking business who was known for more than 60 years for his “endless” passion for work and innovation, died April 28 at the age of 81.
Benedetti’s ideas led to more than many 80 patents, the most notable of which is perhaps the endless casting and rolling process. that revolutionized long and flat steel production worldwide, in the most effective, competitive, green way. His career started under the Danieli flag in 1961 as a designer in the technical office for long product rolling mills, continued as a project engineer, and then a plant start-up engineer. He became manager of the rolling mill process and roll pass design offices in 1968 and director of R&D in 1976. He became sales director in 1982 and was appointed Danieli Group managing director in 1986. Four years later he ascended to Group president and CEO. From October 2003 he drove the company as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Danieli Group and, from 2017, also as chairman of the Executive Board. Benedetti also was a member of the Board of Directors of Acciaierie Bertoli Safau SpA, a mining and metals company owned by Danieli, since 1994.
Backed by an extraordinary vision, Benedetti impressed his ideas upon the Group and the industry, which led to an ongoing transformation process, establishing a path for continuous growth. Benedetti received honorary degrees from three different universities in mechanical engineering, in management engineering, and international business between 2010 and 2018. Benedetti’s passion for art and sense of social responsibility led to several significant restoration projects across the Danieli homeland. With strong beliefs towards the regional education system, he launched and developed several scholarship and international university programs, including Danieli’s educational projects. In June 2006, the National Order of Chivalry made Gianpietro Benedetti a knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In 2018, in recognition of his leadership in steelmaking technology and plant building, he received the Tadeusz Sendzimir Memorial Medal from the AIST Association, USA.

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New hires and promotions

Ray Bibisi, COO of RF Industries (RFI), has been given the additional title of company president. He will lead RFI’s sales, product management, and engineering teams across all business units. The strategic move was made to further integrate those functions to creating a more cohesive and efficient organizational structure to pursue significant market opportunities. Prior to joining RF Industries, he served for more than 30 years at Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), holding concurrent roles of vice president of sales and general manager of North America. He was also a member of the Global Governing Executive Committee. Based in San Diego, California, RF Industries, Ltd., is a national manufacturer and marketer of interconnect products and systems, with additional operations in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Jersey.

 OmniCable recently reported multiple personnel changes. Christopher Breslin will become CEO of Omni Cable LLC, effective May 13, 2024, succeeding interim CEO Jeff Siegfried, the company’s co-founder, who will remain as vice chairman. He has more than 28 years of global distribution experience in both the electronics and electrical industries. Most recently, he was president of Farnell Electronics, and prior to that he spent five years as COO of Crescent Electric Supply Company. Georgia Sipsis has been promoted from territory sales manager to national sales manager. She joined the company in 2022 and has over 20 years of experience in the Canadian electrical industry, including more than 16 years at Prysmian. Jim Walsh has been promoted from Toronto account manager to Toronto sales manager. He has more than 40 years of experience in the electrical industry. Named senior director of strategic accounts – broadband were Ray Hunt, who has more than 23 years of experience, and Kimberly Cruz who has more than 27 years of experience. Named outside sales managers were Josh East, who has nearly 10 years of experience, and Ed Chavez, who has more than 26 years of experience. Part of Dot Family Holdings (DFH), which acquired the business in 2019, OmniCable is a redistributor that sells wire, cable, fiber and other communications and electrical products exclusively to distributors.

 Daniel Fletcher has joined Winchester Interconnect as CEO. He has more than 20 years of executive experience developing, growing and manufacturing products for the automotive, industrial and commercial transportation, and aerospace and defense markets. He most recently served for more than two years as president - specialty materials, for Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, and prior to that worked for more than 17 years for TE Connectivity, where he held a range of manager/director positions. The last two were vice president & general manager aerospace & defense business unit-interconnective and senior director & general manager aerospace & defense business unit - integrated systems. Based in Norwalk, Connecticut, Winchester Interconnect is a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-precision connectors, cable assemblies and cable.

 Fluoropolymer Resources LLC has named Josh Rosenboom as the company’s new sales manager in the Americas. He joins the fluoropolymer industry after spending the past five years as an area sales manager at Avient Corporation, a multinational plastics compounder. Prior to his role at Avient, he held a variety of sales and leadership positions within the plastics industry, and his focus will include promoting solutions for a circular economy. A division of Prime Materials Recovery, Inc., that is based in North Windham, Connecticut, Fluoropolymer Resources supplies fluoropolymers for applications that include wire and cable.

Southwire has promoted Winn Wise to executive vice president and chief commercial officer, tasked with leading commercial activities for the company and driving continuous improvement of customer experience. Upon graduating from Auburn University in 1986, he joined Southwire as an industrial engineer in the company’s utility products plant and later moved into account management, where he gained experience within sales and marketing. Since that time, he has served in leadership roles within Southwire’s OEM, industrial, commercial and residential businesses. He most recently served as senior vice president of Southwire’s infrastructure business. Southwire’s Electrical Distribution, National Accounts and Strategic Channels, Specialty Distribution, Retail and Canadian teams will continue to report to Wise. As part of the transition, Aaron Asher will assume the title of senior vice president, customer experience, and will report to Wise. Asher joined Southwire in 2006 as a distribution center manager and held a series of positions that most recently included senior vice president, distribution, transportation & manufacturing. Also, Juan Hernandez has been named senior vice president of infrastructure. In this role, he will focus on the residential and commercial solutions sold through electrical distribution, retail and specialty channels throughout North America. He joined the company in 2000 as a plant manager in Mexico and held a series of positions with the company prior to this latest assignment. Based in Carrollton, Georgia, Southwire Company is one of the world’s largest wire and cable manufacturers. 

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Last modified on May 3, 2024

Recent hires and promotions

The Supervisory Board of LEONI announced changes to its executive board to further continuity of leadership. The company will extend the contract of CEO Klaus Rinnerberger through the end of 2027. He was lauded for helping LEONI return to operational success again following the financial restructuring in summer 2023. The Supervisory Board also extends the Executive Board mandate of Ingo Spengler as COO. His contract will now also run until the end of 2027. Dr. Harald Nippel will continue his role as a member of the Executive Board and CFO until April 2026. He will oversee and be responsible for the preparation of the financial results for fiscal 2025. The Supervisory Board reduced the Executive Board from four to three members as part of the company streamlining. Accordingly, the contract with Dr. Ursula Biernert as CHRO and labor director will not be extended by mutual agreement. She will be leaving the company over the summer to take on new professional challenges. The responsibilities previously summarized in the CHRO area will be transferred to the remaining members of the Executive Board. In the future, Rinnerberger will be responsible for HR, while the other two corporate functions, namely RCS (Risk, Compliance & Sustainability) and Real Estate, will report to CFO Dr. Harald Nippel. Based in Nuremberg, Germany, Leoni AG, is a global provider of energy and data management solutions in the automotive sector with branches throughout the world.

Amjad Abu-Ali has joined LLFlex as product manager for its wire and cable product portfolio, supporting the management, innovation and development of shielding and armoring tapes. He has more than 25 years of industry experience in the wire & cable industry, Amjad brings considerable experience and expertise to LLFlex. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, LLFlex is a leader in packaging materials and industrial laminate solutions for sectors that include wire and cable with manufacturing operations in Kentucky and North Carolina. 

WAGO has named Sy Stevens as the company’s new vice president of marketing and digitalization for the Americas. He will be leading and implementing strategic marketing initiatives across North and South America. He has a wealth of experience, having held marketing management positions at companies such as Rockwell Automation and Case IH. With operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America, WAGO, based in Germantown, Wisconsin, supplies spring pressure connection technology. 

Stherrim “Sterrin” Raymond has joined Wire & Cable Technology International (WCTI) as an editorial and production specialist. She will handle WCTI, Wire Forming Technology International and Fastener Technology International. She takes over for Jim Masar, who has retired from those magazines but will continue to edit WCTI’s Overview and FTI’s Fastener News Report newsletters. She holds a degree from the University of Akron. Based in Akron, Ohio, Initial Publications produces industry trade publications.

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Last modified on April 8, 2024

Bhagwat retires, opens consulting firm

Anand Bhagwat, a past WAI president (2005) and a long-time steel industry veteran, recently retired from Minova USA Inc., and has started a consulting service.

Per Bhagwat, he plans to serve small- and medium-sized companies on either retainer or project-based engagements for quality management, steel and wire technology, and new product development. He can be reached at tel. 740-229-0033, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bhagwat’s career in metallurgical engineering spanned more than 35 years, including 12 years at Minova USA Inc., a mining ground support manufacturer. His career started in 1990 at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., where he developed wire technology for tire reinforcement for 10 years. Subsequent positions include the Seneca Wire Group, where he was vice president of quality and technology for seven years, three years as managing director of Wire & Cable Services, a WAI subsidiary., and as plant manager at FENIX, LLC.

Anand received the WAI’s Donnellan Memorial Award in 2009 and Mordica Memorial Award in 2022. He was an ASM/IIM Visiting Lecturer in 2001, and in 2015 he won the Stefanko Best Paper Award from Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.

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Last modified on March 7, 2024

New hires and promotions

Dave Troy has joined REELEX Packaging Solutions as vice president of sales & service, a newly created position that will see him focus on the company’s sales and service structure. He previously served for nine years as director of marketing and business development for Emerson Discrete Automation’s Branson Welding and Assembly division, and prior to that he worked for 10 years for Fujifilm Holdings America Corporation, as director of marketing. He holds a BBA degree in marketing/business from Western Connecticut State University and an MBA from the University of Connecticut School of Business. The new position allows Tim Copp, vice president of business development, to spend more time on marketing and product development. Based in Patterson, New York, REELEX Packaging Solutions, is the creator/licensor of REELEX® packaging and a manufacturer of take-ups, dancers, accumulators and payoffs.

American Wire Group (AWG) has named Scott Taylor as vice president of regional sales for its renewable energy division. He will be responsible for AWG customers for new construction, repower, operations and maintenance capacities in the wind, solar and battery energy storage industries. He has more than 20 years of experience in engineering, sales management and business development in wire and cable manufacturing and distribution sectors. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from Tennessee State University and an MBA from Kennesaw State University. Based in Miami, Florida, the American Wire Group supplies wire and cable, hardware, equipment, and accessory solutions.

Brad Johnson has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of both Superior Essex Communications and Essex Brownell. As COO, he will collaborate with the presidents of both business units to achieve their 2024 objectives as well as develop new growth strategies for each division. He joined the company in 1997 as vice president of sales, and became senior vice president of sales in 2003, then was named president of Superior Essex International LP in 2016. He will continue to serve in that position in the interim. He holds a degree in business administration from the Indiana State University Scott College of Business. Along with Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire, Superior Essex Communications and Essex Brownell are part of Superior Essex, a global leader in cable and wire technology based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Derek Nicholson has been named a regional manager for OmniCable, responsible for leading the St Louis commercial team. He has more than 15 years of electrical experience, having previously worked for LEDvance and Grainger. He holds a business degree from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Baker University. Based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, OmniCable is a distributor of wire and cable, electrical products, and value-added services.

Rob Cook has been promoted to director of new business development for Xaloy LLC, responsible for new business development initiatives from acquiring new customers to expanding product sales. Melissa Greenway was named OEM account manager. She joined the company in 2021 as an inside sales specialist. She previously worked for three years as a government sales specialist for Robeck Fluid Power. Based in Paluski, Virginia, Xaloy manufactures screws, barrels, and front-end components to sectors that include wire and cable.

Veronica Braker has joined Southwire as its new executive vice president of operational excellence. She has three decades of experience in leading teams focused on operations, environmental, health and safety (EHS), reliability and maintenance, capital expenditure and more. She is a Lean Six Sigma certified Master Black Belt and practices Lean as a discipline in how she approaches strategy and operational planning. She most recently was senior vice president of global operations at Archer Daniels Midland Company, where she led a global operations team, as well as the centers of excellence that included EHS, Quality, Maintenance, Capital and Process Optimization. She previously held leadership roles at Clorox, General Electric, BASF Corporation, Flint Hills Resources, and Milliken & Company, among others. She currently serves as the Board Chair for the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation. She previously served on the National Board of Directors for Women in Manufacturing, the advisory board for Women in Food and Agriculture and National Association of Manufacturer’s Board of Directors and Executive Council. She holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Christian Brothers University. Based in Carrolton, Georgia, Southwire is one of the world’s largest producers of wire and cable.

Dr. Peter Schmidt, managing partner at TROESTER for many years, has handed over the position of CEO to Thomas Holzer as part of the corporate strategy to maintain continuity in the management of the company and stimulate future development. Schmidt will continue to serve as managing partner and CFO. Holzer, who has been with the company since 2021, previously was managing director at Voith in Heidenheim and in the Asia region before joining TROESTER. Bernd Pielsticker will continue to manage the operational business as Chief Operating Officer. Based in Germany, TROESTER supplies complete cable production lines as well as individual cable machines, such as winders, accumulators, caterpillars, capstans in various sizes and designs. 

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Last modified on March 7, 2024

Hires, promotions and an obituary

 Dan Hughes has been named president of Windy City Wire (WCW), a company that he joined after completing college. He has more than 15 years of experience in the automotive and oil and gas industries. He started with WCW as an inside sales representative in 2001. He was promoted to national sales manager in 2007, then chief sales officer in 2014, where he served for 10 years prior to being named president. Based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, Windy City Wire supplies low-voltage wire products.

 Ahmet Kabaktepe has joined Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure (IEI) as director of sales, transit infrastructure. He previously worked for nearly 15 years for Sark Wire Corp., where he was vice president of sales and marketing. He started as operations manager in 2009 and had been promoted to plant manager and sales manager. He also had worked in operations for Sark-USA Inc. for four years, and before that had been a marketing specialist for Sarkyusan A.S. in Turkey. He holds a degree in metallurgical engineering from Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi in Turkey. The Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure Group, a division of Marmon Electrical, supplies wire and cable for industrial, energy and infrastructure applications.

 Mark Froggatt has joined Eland Cables as head of training, learning & development. He most recently was Technical Director, for the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC), which he joined in 2019. Prior to that he worked as a technical manager for four years for British Cables Company and BT Cables, three years as a market development manager for Nexans, and 14 years in different positions for Draka. He holds a B.Ss. degree in chemistry and management studies from the University of Sussex. Based in London, U.K., Eland Cable is supplier of power, data, control and instrumentation cable.

 The SAMP Group reported four personnel announcements. Bernhard Messerli was named the new general manager. He has more than 30 years of experience in key managerial roles across various companies, spanning from Switzerland to China. He was cited for his extensive expertise in sales and operations management and strong leadership skills. Mattia Baccini is the new head of global sales. He will have a pivotal role in the company’s development. He has more than 15 years of experience in the automotive and oil and gas industries, including 11 years of experience at Koch Industries. He resided in the U.S. for two years and navigated diverse international assignments. Adriano Soldati is the new project manager extrusion, overseeing and optimizing extrusion projects from start to finish. He was cited for having a “dynamic skill set that aligns seamlessly” with the company’s goals. Hellen Cristina Basile is the new marketing manager. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, including more than five years of experience in B2B marketing within the engineering industry. A global supplier of wire and cable machinery based in Bologna, Italy, the SAMP Group has production sites in Italy, China and Brazil, and a sales and service unit in the USA.

Obituary
  Alfred “Al” G. Pratt Jr., a respected innovator in the wire and cable industry and the founder of Jersey Strand and Cable, died on June 27 at age 78.
  The Rome, New York, native attended Cornell University for one year, then went to work for Strandflex division of National Standard Co. in Oriskany, New York. As plant superintendent, he developed specialty strand and cable to fit customers’ needs, including the exact strand needed for a customer working on the first heart pacemaker. In 1978, he moved to New Jersey, and with his wife, Diane, started Jersey Strand and Cable in New Jersey. He also customized equipment to produce both ferrous and nonferrous wire. He later started a second company, Sinc, Inc., to spool multiple wires on bobbins, and later added wire braid products. The companies grew from three employees to more than 40 and he bought a 100,000-sq-ft-building in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where the company is now based. 
  One crowning achievement was Pratt’s development and production of the strand and braid used to create the Frank Gehry-designed Eisenhower Memorial Tapestry that was dedicated in September 2020 on the mall in Washington, DC. Made by Thomas Ozinsky, a frequent Gehry collaborator, the outdoor tapestry is the world’s largest such display. His son, John, joined the company—working side-by-side with his dad for more than 41 years—and is now the president. A WAI Life Member, Al Pratt was known as a tremendous, innovative businessman and a man who deeply cared for his employees. Survivors include his wife, Diane; four children: John Pratt, Wendy Bowen, Amara Pratt and Jessica Mattox; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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