People in composites: January 2025
Appointments, promotions and other developments have been announced by composites-focused companies Teijin Automotive, Lockheed Martin, MVP, Roth Industries, Wabash, Multi-Ply, Norco, Boeing and more.
Teijin Automotive personnel appointed to AME board of directors
On Jan. 8, Teijin Automotive Technologies (Auburn Hills, Mich., U.S.) announced that Wayne Meyer, the company’s VP of operations, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME).
Wayne Meyer, Teijin Automotive VP of operations.
Meyer, who will serve as a director-at-large, joined Teijin Automotive Technologies in 2018 as the director of lean manufacturing. In April 2020, he was promoted to director of operational excellence, and to his current position in 2024. He joined the company from Chicago Powdered Metal Products Co., where he served as a plant manager at the Schiller Park, Illinois, facility. Prior to this, Meyer spent 16 years at GKN, leaving there as VP of operations. Meyer holds a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. He also received formal training in Toyota Kata, business process improvement, leadership development and continuous improvement.
Founded as a not-for-profit organization in 1985, AME is the premier organization for the exchange of knowledge in enterprise excellence. Members explore lean thinking and other enterprise improvement methods, exchange best practices and network to improve the competitiveness and overall value of their organizations.
According to the organization’s website, the AME board consists of a network of industry-expert volunteers working together to ensure that AME fulfills its mission to inspire commitment to enterprise excellence through shared learning and best practices.
Magnum Venus Products appoints new president
MVP’s executive leadership team (from left to right): Travis Silcox, Andrew Hedger, Scott Andrews, Amber Holt, Tobi Ferguson and Brady House.
Magnum Venus Products (MVP, Knoxville, Tenn., U.S.), manufacturer of fluid movement and production solutions, announces Andrew Hedger as president. Hedger brings more than 20 years of experience in the composites industry and has been a driving force behind MVP’s
continued growth and innovation.
As a long-standing member of MVP’s leadership team, Hedger has
served in pivotal roles including VP of business development and engineering, advanced equipment sales manager and closed mold manager. His expertise and proven track record of delivering results make him well-suited to lead MVP into its next chapter.
MVP says that Hedger’s appointment comes during an exciting period of transformation and opportunity. Over the past year, MVP relocated its manufacturing operations from Kent, Washington, to a state-of-the-art facility in Knoxville, Tennessee. This move has centralized resources, expanded production capabilities and positioned MVP to best serve its customers and distributors worldwide.
“This new facility reflects MVP’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence,” says Hedger. “I look forward to building on this momentum, working alongside our team.”
As MVP celebrates nearly 90 years as a family-owned company, Hedger is poised to guide MVP into a thriving future while continuing to set new standards in the composites industry.
Lockheed Martin announces new Skunk Works, Integrated Fighter leaders
(Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.) has named OJ Sanchez as VP and general manager, Skunk Works, and Mike Shoemaker as VP and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group. Both have begun their new roles.
OJ Sanchez, Lockheed Martin VP and general manager, Skunk Works.
Sanchez succeeds John Clark, who was previously announced as the new senior VP for technology and strategic innovation. Shoemaker succeeds Sanchez.
“With their combined experience, OJ and Mike will work closely together — and with our broader team — to drive innovation and strategy across platforms, across aeronautics and across the corporation,” says Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “They will focus on shaping the future of air dominance and advancing Lockheed Martin’s position in the development and delivery of airpower capabilities integrating across all domains.”
In his role leading Skunk Works, Sanchez will drive advanced technology development and integration across a diverse set of primarily classified military programs and pursuits tied to Skunk Works’ guiding philosophy of “Quick, Quiet, Quality.” Sanchez joined Lockheed Martin in 2014 following a distinguished U.S. Air Force career, where he served as an F-22 pilot among other roles. Most recently, he led Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, successfully ushering in a new era of the Fighting Falcon with the F-16 Block 70 and also partnering with the U.S. Air Force to sustain and enhance the F-22 for current and future deterrence.
Mike Shoemaker, Lockheed Martin VP and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group.
“OJ is the right leader to focus our Skunk Works team on developing and integrating technologies that will secure the skies today — and maintain a competitive edge in the future,” Ulmer says.
As leader of the Integrated Fighter Group, Shoemaker will oversee the development, manufacture and sustainment of the F-16 and F-22 programs as well as the T-50, KF-21, F-21 and F-2. Most recently, he served as VP for F-35 customer programs the past 3 years, responsible for setting the strategic direction for all F-35 U.S. services, partner countries and foreign military sale customer relationships as well as leading international program teams. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin in 2018, Shoemaker had a 35-year career in the U.S. Navy as a pilot, with numerous leadership roles in naval aviation. He retired from his final assignment as commander, Naval Air Forces.
“Mike’s unique blend of military experience and expertise in air dominance positions him well to provide strategic direction and oversight as the leader of the Integrated Fighter Group,” Ulmer concludes.
Roth Industries mourns passing of Manfred Roth
In memory of the late Manfred Roth.
Entrepreneur Manfred Roth of (Dautphetal-Buchenau, Germany) passed away on Jan. 3 at the age of 85, surrounded by his family. Just a few days earlier, he had publicly announced the establishment of the Manfred Roth Foundation and celebrated the anniversary of the Roth site in Wolfgruben. “This sudden death is very painful. At the same time, we are very grateful that Manfred Roth was in our midst until the end,” says family members.
Roth set the course for the continuation of the family business at an early stage and gradually transferred responsibility to his children. They had already gained many years of management experience in important functions within the company and were eventually appointed to the management of Roth Industries. Manfred Roth then retired from management in 2019. He continued to be present in the family business as a consultant and remained a member of the executive board in this capacity.
At the age of 21, Roth joined his father Heinrich Roth’s company in 1961 when he fell seriously ill and took over entrepreneurial responsibility. The first product program was boiler stoves with handcrafted production in Silberg and Mornshausen. When he joined his father’s company, Roth was already convinced that the monostructure had to be overcome in order to secure the company’s long-term future. He had the idea of developing the family business, founded in 1947, into a dynamic industrial company with several technology and market-leading business areas. He was convinced that a balanced, diversified company would offer greater crisis resistance and growth opportunities. Roth eventually realized his vision, developing his father’s artisan business into an internationally active company, while also committing to the economy, society and the environment.
From 1990 to 2001, Roth was president of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Dillenburg and promoted the development of the local economy. In 2007, he was awarded the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Federal Republic of Germany by the federal president for his many voluntary and social commitments. Roth supports social organizations, cultural projects, regional club life, projects in connection with training and further education and was strongly committed to cooperation between the business community and schools, colleges and universities.
Roth has recorded the history of his family and the family business in three books. In recent months, he had devoted himself to a series of books dedicated to the history of the Hinterland and entrepreneurship in the region. Two of the volumes, “From Hinterland to Vorderland,” have already been published.
Wabash National announces executive leadership changes
(Lafayette, Ind., U.S.), a company developing end-to-end supply chain solutions for the transportation, logistics and infrastructure markets, has announced key executive appointments effective Jan. 15, aimed at advancing the company’s growth strategy and delivering greater value to customers, partners and stakeholders.
Drew Schwartzhoff has been named senior VP and chief commercial officer. In this role, he will lead Wabash’s commercial organization, driving initiatives to enhance customer engagement, expand market opportunities and align the company’s solutions with evolving customer needs. Schwartzhoff joined Wabash in 2023, bringing more than 25 years of experience in marketing and business leadership. Previously, he held senior marketing roles at C.H. Robinson, a global logistics provider, where he enhanced customer experience and expanded market presence. His expertise spans business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing, with a strong focus on logistics and supply chain. Schwartzhoff earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from St. Cloud State University.
Donald Winston has been named senior VP and chief operating officer. With more than 25 years of manufacturing leadership experience, Winston has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, safety and quality. He joined Wabash in January 2024 as VP of global operations and was promoted to senior VP later that year. Prior to Wabash, Winston held senior roles at Novolex, Closure Systems International, Ardagh Group and Ford Motor Co., where he developed expertise in building process-oriented operational environments. He holds a Master of Science in industrial engineering technology and a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership and supervision from Purdue University, along with executive leadership training through Duke Corporate Education.
“Drew and Donald are exceptional leaders who bring a powerful combination of strategic vision and operational expertise to Wabash,” says president and CEO Brent Yeagy. “Drew’s customer-first approach and proven ability to align strategy with execution, paired with Donald’s dedication to operational excellence and continuous improvement, position us to deliver even greater value to our customers and partners as we pursue our growth strategy.”
Kevin Page will retire from his role as senior VP and chief commercial officer after 8 years with Wabash. Since joining the company in 2017, Page has played an important role in navigating new opportunities and advancing the company’s customer-focused strategy. To ensure a smooth transition, he will continue in a senior advisory role through June 1.
“Kevin has made significant contributions during his time with Wabash, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and strategic vision,” Yeagy adds. “We are grateful for his dedication and impact on the organization, and we wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter.”
Multi-Ply appoints welcomes new managing director
Adam Black, Multi-Ply Components managing director.
(Blackpool, U.K.), providing high-quality, precision-engineered carbon fiber components for critical applications. announces the appointment of Adam Black as managing director. With more than 25 years of experience in the composite and manufacturing sectors, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion and leadership strategy.
Adam’s appointment is expected to accelerate Multi-Ply’s growth as the company continues to evolve its service offerings and deepen its presence in key international markets. His background includes senior leadership roles in commercial, strategic growth and product development, making him well-equipped to drive innovation and growth at Multi-Ply.
In his new role, Adam will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations, focusing on strengthening Multi-Ply’s customer relationships and enhancing operational efficiency. He will also work closely with the leadership team to implement the next phase of the company’s ambitious growth plans, which include enhancing production capabilities and expanding the company’s portfolio of high-quality composite components.
Adam replaces Peter Appleton, who is retiring from the role, but remains an integral part of the business as a board member.
“I am privileged to join Multi-ply Components at this time and work alongside the team currently in place,” says Adam. “We relocated to a new state-of-the-art facility in 2022 and so have the capacity to enable business growth in line with the strategic objectives for the next few years. I would like to thank Peter for the work that he has accomplished in building both a high-performing team as well as developing a new facility. Exciting times are ahead.”
Peter Pi, The Gill Corp. international sales manager.
The Gill Corp. welcomes new international sales manager
Peter Pi has been appointed as international sales manager at The Gill Corp. (El Monte, Calif., U.S.). With more than a decade of experience in the aerospace sector, Pi possesses deep knowledge and expertise, which The Gill Corp. says will be instrumental in serving airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies, and OEMs throughout the China-Asia-Pacific region.
Mastercam appointments strengthen leadership team
Mastercam (Tolland, Conn., U.S.), a global provider of CAM software, announces three leadership appointments that will strengthen its ability to deliver innovation, new products and customer-focused solutions to address the growing needs of the U.S. manufacturing industry. The company has appointed a new chief innovation officer, a VP of product management and a VP of customer success and program delivery.
Nand Shivkumar, Mastercam chief innovation officer.
Nand Shivkumar is the new chief innovation officer. In this pivotal role, Shivkumar will lead the development and execution of Mastercam’s product vision and strategy, ensuring the company addresses evolving market needs while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
“Nand’s appointment marks a significant milestone in Mastercam’s journey toward delivering next-generation manufacturing solutions,” says Russ Bukowski, interim president of Mastercam. “His leadership will help us strengthen customer engagement, expand into new markets and provide even greater value to our customers worldwide.”
With more than 20 years of experience in software engineering, product strategy and innovation leadership, Shivkumar offers a track record of driving growth through transformative technology. His expertise in scaling SaaS platforms, leveraging AI and machine learning and leading diverse global teams will play a key role in shaping Mastercam’s future.
Ivan Krstic, Mastercam VP of product management.
Ivan Krstic has been appointed as VP of product management. Krstic brings more than 20 years of industry expertise in product management, particularly in CAD/CAM and manufacturing technology. In this role, he will spearhead product strategy for Mastercam. He will be instrumental in developing the product roadmap for current and next-generation solutions, with the goal of boosting revenue and creating integrated solutions that enhance customer experience.
“Ivan’s proficiency in market-driven strategies is set to drive innovation and inspire exceptional user experiences,” says Bukowski.
Shannon Lesane, Mastercam VP of customer success and program delivery.
Shannon Lesane has been promoted from the director of project management to VP of customer success and program delivery. Lesane’s background in developing and implementing customer success and client engagement programs will lead this critical area as Mastercam grows its direct sales business. Lesane will continue overseeing the project management office team, delivering value, elevating customer engagement and building a customer-first culture.
“As we expand our services and support structure, Shannon will ensure the right programs, processes and systems to support our customers at all levels. I am excited to see the impactful contributions she brings to Mastercam,” concludes Bukowski.
Norco hires personnel to drive additive manufacturing innovation
Max Osmond joins Norco for additive manufacturing (AM) and CNC development.
Norco Composites & GRP (Poole, Dorset, U.K.) welcomes the addition of Max Osmond to the company’s additive manufacturing (AM) and CNC development. Osmond brings to Norco an extensive background in CNC kitting, AM and 3D printing, having served as sirector of MSA Manufacturing Ltd. for more than 27 years. Under Max’s leadership, MSA Manufacturing became a key supplier in the U.K. market before ceasing trading in 2024.
Osmond’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Norco continues to expand its footprint in the AM sector. His responsibilities include:
- Developing the large-format 3D printing segment to bolster production capabilities.
- Supporting the integration of CNC operations with AM for seamless workflows.
- Sharing strategic insights to preempt operational challenges and ensure scalability.
“I’m excited to join Norco at such an exciting phase in its journey,” Osmond says. “The company’s early adoption of large-format 3D printing positions it as a pioneer in the U.K. market. I look forward to contributing my expertise to help Norco solidify its leadership in this space and drive meaningful innovation.”
Osmond’s extensive background inAM and business development qualifies him to navigate the complexities of this evolving industry. By drawing on established industry relationships and in-depth knowledge of the market, he will play a key role in positioning Norco in this space.
His long-term vision includes fostering internal development, supporting team growth and ensuring that Norco’s manufacturing processes remain at the forefront of technology by combining short-term operational improvements with a strategic focus on AM.
Sicomin welcomes new CEO
Philippe Marcovich with his two sons. Ken Marcovich (left) will step into the role of CEO of Sicomin, while Sam Marcovich (right) will work with Philippe on ACCWing and Maxcore.
After successfully leading the expansion of Map Yachting, Ken Marcovich, the elder son of the Marcovich family, is now stepping into the role of CEO at Sicomin (Châteauneuf les Martigues, France). He succeeds his father, Philippe Marcovich, who has led Sicomin for 42 years, transforming the company into a global epoxy resin systems and advanced composite materials provider.
With this transition, Philippe — who will still oversee Sicomin as president of the company — will have more time to focus on his other ventures ACCwing and Maxcore in collaboration with Sam Marcovich, Ken’s younger brother. These two projects will be showcased at JEC World 2025.
Ken, who has a strong background in sustainable development, environmental sciences and sustainable procurement, has always been deeply connected to Sicomin’s mission from a young age. His commitment to bio-sourced products has been a key focus throughout his career.
Ken looks forward to advancing the company’s legacy and its commitment to sustainability. “I am honored to step into this role to continue building on the legacy created by my father,” he says. “Sicomin is positioned to drive innovation and meet the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance epoxy resin and composite solutions. I look forward to working with our talented team to accelerate our growth and serve our customers worldwide.”
Sicomin will exhibit at JEC World 2025 and invites attendees to join and celebrate its new chapter.
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