Kimball Restructures Leadership
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowJasper-based Kimball International Inc. (Nasdaq: KBAL) has announced several executive changes. The promotions include Don Van Winkle as president and chief operating officer and Michelle Schroeder as chief financial officer. Last week, the company completed the spin-off of the company's Electronic Manufacturing Services business, which is named Kimball Electronics Inc. (Nasdaq: KE)
November 3, 2014
News Release
JASPER, Ind. – Today's announcement concerns the following promotions.
Don Van Winkle was promoted to President, Chief Operating Officer of Kimball International, Inc. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Kimball International, and President of the Furniture Group subsidiary. In his expanded role, Van Winkle will provide strategic guidance for Kimball International along with accountability to improve financial performance of the operations. He joined Kimball in 1991 as a Divisional Controller, advancing through successively more responsible roles and in 1999 became Chief Finance and Administrative Officer for the Furniture Brands Group. He had full operating responsibility of the National Office Furniture subsidiary starting in 2003 and was promoted to President of the Furniture Group subsidiary in 2010. His broad knowledge and expertise across sales, marketing, manufacturing and supply chain disciplines, and multiple administrative functions will serve Kimball International well in post-spin growth initiatives.
Michelle Schroeder was promoted to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She previously served as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, a position she assumed in 2009. Schroeder began her career with Kimball in 1984, serving in several marketing administrative roles before taking a leave in 1993 to pursue a degree in Accounting. She returned in 1996 and has advanced through several accounting and finance leadership roles during her career with the Company, and played a lead role in the financial aspects of the spin-off of Electronics. As CFO, Schroeder assumes responsibility for the accounting, auditing, investor relations, tax and treasury functions, as well as setting financial strategy and policies for the Company.
Julia Heitz-Cassidy was promoted to Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. She previously served as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, with responsibility for handling all day-to-day legal activities of the Company. In her new role, Heitz-Cassidy will provide strategic thought leadership, advice and counsel to the Company's executive management as well as oversee the Company's legal functions. She also assumes the duties of Corporate Secretary, assisting the Board of Directors. Heitz-Cassidy joined Kimball in 1996 as an associate corporate counsel and has held positions of increasing responsibility within the legal department during her career.
Kevin McCoy was promoted to President of the National Office Furniture subsidiary. Previously, McCoy served as Vice President, General Manager of National Office Furniture, a position he assumed in 2010. McCoy joined Kimball in 1996 and spent nine years with National and Kimball Office, building a solid background in both front line and management sales experience. He became Vice President of Sales for National Office Furniture in 2005 with responsibility for the field selling organization, distribution strategy and execution, and the achievement of National's profitable growth goals. He has a track record of personnel development, effective distribution management and implementing focused strategies and initiatives leading to exemplary results. McCoy has full operating responsibility of the National Office Furniture subsidiary.
Mike Wagner was promoted to President of the Kimball Office subsidiary. He previously served as Vice President, General Manager of Kimball Office. Wagner joined Kimball in 2013, and has been directly involved with, and led, the extensive growth in new product introductions and expanded marketing initiatives at Kimball Office since his arrival. His career spans over 19 years of experience in the office furniture industry with leadership positions in sales, sales management, marketing, and strategic planning. His previous experience includes ownership of an independent office furniture representative group based in Chicago. Wagner has full operating responsibility of the Kimball Office subsidiary.
In addition to the above officers, the Kimball International Strategic Planning Team includes the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Bob Schneider, and the following officers:
Bob Bomholt, Vice President, General Manager, Kimball Hospitality
Lonnie Nicholson, Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Greg Kincer, Vice President, Corporate Development
Dean Vonderheide, Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer
Making the announcement, Bob Schneider stated, “As we begin the next phase of Kimball International's long history, now as a focused furniture company, these promotions position us very well to address strategic opportunities before us in our furniture markets. Each of the above executives is a solid performer in their respective roles, and is an integral member of our Strategic Planning Team that will set the course for Kimball for a bright future. Additionally, their dedication to our guiding principles and ethics gives me great comfort to know that these long established ideals, which I believe are an important competitive advantage, will continue on into the future.”
About Kimball International:
Kimball International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of design driven, technology savvy, high quality furnishings sold under the Company's family of brands, National Office Furniture, Kimball Office and Kimball Hospitality. Our diverse portfolio provides solutions for the workplace, learning, healing and hospitality environments. Customers can access our products globally through a variety of distribution channels. Recognized with a reputation for excellence and a recipient of the Forbes 2014 America's Most Trustworthy Companies designation, Kimball International is committed to a high performance culture that is committed to sound ethics, continuous improvement and social responsibility. To learn more about Kimball International, Inc. (NASDAQ: KBAL) visit www.kimball.com.
“Kimball International… We Build Success!”
Source: Kimball International Inc.