Harold Bevis, Xerium CEO and President, announced the restructuring of our European Executive and Global Technical Leadership functions. With these strategic changes, Mr. Bevis announced the creation of the new position of President of Xerium Europe and the new position of Chief Technology Officer.
Filling the position of President of Xerium Europe comes with the promotion of David Pretty. Mr. Pretty will be responsible for all of Xerium's business in Europe. This adds to Mr. Pretty's previous responsibilities of President of Xerium North America and President of Xerium PMC Europe. Mr. Pretty's new title will be President of Xerium North America and Europe and all European operations will now report to him.
Harold Bevis said, "Xerium is committed to leveraging its customer relationships, best practices and cost optimization across the globe. Europe is an extremely important market for Xerium and we are committed to growing our business there and unifying our activities.
This move simplifies our operating structure and simplifies our customer activities and relationships. Furthermore, we wish to optimize cost structures and outcomes across our developed markets of North America and Europe. This organizational correction is part of achieving that objective."
David Pretty said, "Xerium is a market leader in Europe and committed to growing there. As our product and services offerings continue to bundle, it is very natural to organizationally align in this manner. We have strong teams and excellent customer relationships already and we are going to add to those. I am happy to be leading the combined North American and European teams. These are key markets for us to lead and excel in."
Filling the position of Chief Technology Officer comes with the promotion of Bill Butterfield. Mr. Butterfield will be responsible for all of Xerium's technology programs – research, new product development, manufacturing technology, the company's labs, the company's university programs and the company's technical intern programs.
Harold Bevis said "Xerium has three objectives with this move. First, Xerium is continuing its commitment to be a clear leader in its current product offerings. Second, the company is committed to pursuing growth in new, non-traditional markets.
Third, the company is underway with a very technical approach to lowering its costs both through waste reduction and through new manufacturing approaches. Bill is a 35 year technical veteran in the industry and a giant asset to our leadership team. I am thankful that Bill will be expanding and leading our technical efforts."
Bill Butterfield said, "I am excited to lead the technical efforts of Xerium. We have a long history of leadership and we are committed to continuing it. Parallel advances in product technology, manufacturing technology and cost reduction are our consistent objectives.
"Xerium has approximately 370 patents issued and/or underway and I look forward to being the steward of that portfolio of intellectual property and adding significantly to it. We have a full slate of advancements underway and it is an exciting time to be the leader of technology at Xerium."
