Collins & Aikman Announces Key European Appointments
3 October 2000
Collins & Aikman Announces Key European Appointments
TROY, Mich.--Oct. 3, 2000--Collins & Aikman Corporation today announced several key European appointments that should further enhance and support the Company's vision and mission to be a leading supplier of automotive interior systems to its global customers.In making today's announcements, Brian J. Batey, President of European Operations, commented, "These individuals demonstrate the leadership skills and enthusiasm that we hope will help set Collins & Aikman apart from other Tier One and Tier Two suppliers in the European marketplace. Our ability to significantly grow our presence through acquisitions and organic growth will depend on our ability to place greater emphasis on customer satisfaction, both externally and internally, while realizing improved financial results. I'm confident that each of these individuals possess the skills necessary to help make our vision a reality," said Batey.
The appointments, which are effective immediately, are:
| -- | Kenneth A. Arens is named Business Unit General Manager for Collins & Aikman's U.K. operations and will be located at Collins & Aikman's Alcester facility in the Midlands. Arens joins Collins & Aikman from McKechnie, Plc, where he was Divisional Chief Executive for its worldwide manufacturing of decorative trim and fluid handling components for the automotive industry. Arens holds a degree in production engineering from the Birmingham Polytechnic University and is a chartered engineer, a fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and a member of the Institute of Quality Assurance and Institute of Directors. |
| -- | Nick Munster is named Business Unit Manager for Collins & Aikman's Swedish operations and will be located at Collins & Aikman's Skara, Sweden facility. Munster joins Collins & Aikman from TI Group Automotive Systems where his most recent assignment was General Manager of its fuel delivery systems operations. Munster brings more than 15 years of manufacturing, operations and sales & marketing experience to Collins & Aikman. Munster holds a bachelor's and master's degree in chemical engineering from Louisville University, U.S.A., and a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Norway University. |
| -- | Masimo Zagati is named Vice President of Finance and Business Development for Collins & Aikman's European operations. Zagati joined Collins & Aikman from Lear Corporation Automotive Components where he was Director of Mergers and Acquisitions for its European operations. Zagati brings more than 13 years of financial, operations, purchasing, and merger and acquisition experience to Collins & Aikman. Zagati holds an economics degree from the University of Turin. He also holds an MBA from the Open University of Milton Keynes, U.K., is a Certified Public Accountant and has completed the Statutory Auditor qualification from the University of Turin. |
Collins & Aikman Corporation , is the global leader of floor and acoustic systems and a leading supplier of automotive fabric, interior trim, and convertible top systems. The Company's operations span the globe with 63 facilities and more than 15,000 employees in 12 countries who are committed to achieving total excellence. Collins & Aikman's high-quality products combine industry-leading design and styling capabilities, superior manufacturing capabilities and the industry's most effective NVH "quiet" technologies. For more information about Collins & Aikman, visit the Company's web site at www.collinsaikman.com.