January 2024 marked a significant month for CEO appointments, with several prominent companies announcing new leadership. This in-depth analysis examines the background and experience of these newly appointed CEOs, the circumstances leading to their hiring, and the potential implications for their respective companies and industries. By exploring these high-profile executive changes, investors can gain valuable insights into the strategic direction and future prospects of the companies under new leadership.
Richard Dealy, Pioneer Natural Resources Co. (PXD), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Richard P. Dealy assumed the role of CEO at Pioneer Natural Resources on January 1, 2024, following the retirement of Scott D. Sheffield at the end of 2023. Dealy has been with Pioneer for over 30 years, holding various leadership positions, including President and COO, as well as Executive Vice President and CFO from November 2004 to December 2020. During his tenure, Dealy has contributed to Pioneer’s operational and financial success, helping the company secure a strong investment grade balance sheet, become the largest oil producer in Texas, improve operational efficiency, and successfully integrate acquisitions such as Parsley Energy and Double Point Energy.
The leadership transition was announced in April 2023, with Sheffield expressing confidence in Dealy’s abilities, while Dealy conveyed his commitment to leading the company’s workforce with operational excellence and integrity. As Dealy takes the helm, Pioneer Natural Resources faces both challenges and opportunities within the oil and gas industry. Analysts have noted that Dealy’s extensive industry knowledge, leadership experience, and deep understanding of Pioneer’s operations position him to build upon the foundation established by Sheffield and guide the company through the evolving energy landscape.
Brendan Cavanagh, SBA Communications Corp. (SBAC), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Brendan Cavanagh has been appointed as the new CEO of SBA Communications Corp. (SBAC), effective January 1, 2024. Cavanagh brings over two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry to his new role, having previously served as the President of Global Network Services at Ericsson, where he led a global organization responsible for network deployment, operations, and maintenance, generating over $12 billion in annual revenue. Prior to Ericsson, Cavanagh held various leadership positions at Crown Castle International, including Executive Vice President of Network Services, where he oversaw the company’s network services business. He also gained experience in network planning, engineering, and operations through roles at AT&T and BellSouth earlier in his career.
Cavanagh’s appointment follows the retirement of SBA Communications’ long-time CEO, Jeff Stoops, who served as the company’s CEO since its inception in 1996. As the new CEO, Cavanagh has outlined several key priorities for SBA Communications, including accelerating the company’s 5G strategy, expanding its footprint in key markets, and strengthening its relationships with key customers and partners. He has also emphasized the importance of innovation and sustainability, highlighting the need for SBA Communications to invest in emerging technologies and adopt environmentally friendly practices. With his extensive background in network services and strategic partnerships, Cavanagh is positioned to lead SBA Communications in its next phase of growth and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the rapid growth of 5G and the increasing demand for wireless infrastructure.
Diana Charletta, Equitrans Midstream Corp. (ETRN), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Diana Charletta has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Equitrans Midstream Corp. (ETRN), effective January 1, 2024. Charletta brings over 25 years of experience in various leadership positions within the energy industry to her new role. Prior to joining Equitrans Midstream, Charletta served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at EQT Corporation, where she was responsible for overseeing the company’s midstream operations. Throughout her career, Charletta has been recognized for her leadership and technical expertise in the midstream sector, with the Oil and Gas Diversity Council naming her one of the “Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Oil and Gas.”
Charletta assumes the role of CEO at a time when Equitrans Midstream is navigating challenges in the competitive midstream energy sector. The company faces pressure to adapt to evolving market conditions, including increased competition from renewable energy sources and regulatory requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Charletta’s experience in leading large-scale transformation efforts, coupled with her track record in operational efficiency and safety, positions her to guide the company through these challenges. Her appointment also reflects Equitrans Midstream’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as Charletta has been a strong advocate for gender diversity and promoting women’s leadership in the energy sector.
https://www.equitransmidstream.com
Sassine Ghazi, Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Synopsys, Inc. announced on January 1, 2024, that Sassine Ghazi has been appointed as the company’s new CEO. Ghazi brings 25 years of experience at Synopsys to his new role, having started as an application engineer and progressed through various positions in chip design, applications engineering, customer support, sales, and business management. Most recently, he served as the company’s president and COO, a position he assumed in August 2020. Throughout his tenure at Synopsys, Ghazi has demonstrated a deep understanding of the company’s values and culture, as well as a commitment to innovative technology and strong operational experience.
Ghazi’s appointment follows a multi-year succession planning process, with outgoing CEO and co-founder Aart de Geus transitioning to the role of Executive Chair of Synopsys’ Board of Directors. In this capacity, de Geus will continue to support Ghazi and champion the company’s culture and technical innovation. As a global leader in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP, Synopsys aims to help catalyze the era of “Smart Everything” by providing innovative solutions to system-on-chip (SoC) designers and software developers. Under Ghazi’s leadership, the company is positioned to maintain its technology leadership and business growth, building on its established success in the industry.
Lisa Barton, Alliant Energy Corp. (LNT), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Lisa Barton was appointed as the CEO of Alliant Energy Corp. effective January 1, 2024, after joining the company in February 2023 as President and Chief Operating Officer. Barton brings extensive experience in the energy industry to her new role, having started her career at Northeast Utilities (now Eversource) and later working with consulting firms to develop power procurement and power market strategies. She also served as a lobbyist and senior counsel to clients in the gas and electric utility sector, and held leadership roles at American Electric Power (AEP) in transmission and utilities before joining Alliant Energy.
Barton’s appointment follows John Larsen’s decision to step down from the CEO role and become the Executive Chairman of the Board, as part of Alliant Energy’s succession planning. Barton’s skills and qualifications span strategic leadership, financial acumen, operations management, customer perspective, public policy and regulatory knowledge, human capital management, risk management, technology systems, and environmental and safety expertise. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Commercial Metals Company, a manufacturer, recycler, and marketer of steel and metal products. Alliant Energy Corp., headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is a parent company of two public utility companies and Alliant Energy Finance, LLC, which oversees the company’s non-utility operations, serving approximately 985,000 electric and 425,000 natural gas customers in the Midwest.
Ron Vachris, Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Ron Vachris has been appointed as the new CEO of Costco Wholesale Corp., effective January 1, 2024. Vachris has been with Costco for over 30 years, starting as an assistant warehouse manager in Massachusetts in 1991. He has held various roles within the company, including chief operating officer (COO) since 2019. In this position, Vachris was responsible for overseeing Costco’s global store operations, distribution centers, and supply chain management.
The appointment of Vachris as CEO follows the retirement of W. Craig Jelinek, who has served in the role since 2012. During Jelinek’s tenure, Costco’s revenue more than doubled, and the company’s market capitalization reached new heights. Jelinek’s decision to retire was driven by personal reasons, and he expressed confidence in Vachris’s ability to lead Costco into the future. As the new CEO, Vachris will face challenges such as navigating the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing competition from e-commerce giants, and exploring new growth opportunities for the company.
Heidi Petz, The Sherwin-Williams Co. (SHW), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Heidi Petz assumed the role of CEO at The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) on January 1, 2024, succeeding John Morikis, who retired after leading the company for nine years. Petz brings over two decades of experience in the chemical and coatings industry to her new position. She joined Sherwin-Williams in 2006 and has held various leadership roles within the company, including Vice President of Marketing for the Product Finishes division, President of the Americas Group, and most recently, Executive Vice President of the Performance Coatings Group.
Petz’s appointment follows a comprehensive succession planning process conducted by the board of directors, which evaluated both internal and external candidates. Her selection marks a significant milestone for Sherwin-Williams, as she becomes the first female CEO in the company’s 156-year history. Petz’s industry knowledge, track record of driving growth, and commitment to innovation and sustainability were cited as key factors in her appointment. As Sherwin-Williams navigates a rapidly changing market, Petz’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and foster a more inclusive culture within the organization.
https://www.sherwin-williams.com
Jerome Dorlack, Adient plc (ADNT), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Jerome Dorlack assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Adient plc, a global automotive seating supplier, effective January 1, 2024. Dorlack’s appointment follows the resignation of his predecessor, Richard Dauch, who stepped down due to personal reasons. Dorlack brings extensive experience in the automotive industry to his new role at Adient, where he will be responsible for leading the company through its ongoing transformation and growth strategy.
Before joining Adient, Dorlack served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Vehicle Group (CVG), a supplier of truck and trailer components, from 2018 to 2023. During his tenure at CVG, the company navigated industry challenges and achieved improvements in operational efficiency and financial performance. Dorlack implemented manufacturing processes, expanded the company’s global footprint, and developed strategic partnerships. Prior to his role at CVG, Dorlack held executive positions at Tier-1 automotive suppliers, including Johnson Controls and Lear Corporation, where he led teams, oversaw product program launches, and drove operational excellence and global expansion.
Matthew Pine, Xylem, Inc. (XYL), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Matthew Pine has had a distinguished career in the water technology industry, holding various leadership positions at Sensus and Xylem, Inc. At Sensus, Pine was instrumental in the successful deployment of advanced metering technologies, which improved utility management for water, electric, and gas providers. In 2015, he joined Xylem as Vice President and General Manager for the Commercial and Residential business, where he drove substantial growth through customer-centric solutions and digital transformation. Pine’s expertise in strategic partnerships and M&A activities further strengthened Xylem’s market position. In 2020, he was appointed as Xylem’s Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for the company’s global brand strategy and marketing initiatives.
On January 1, 2024, Matthew Pine succeeded Patrick Decker as the CEO of Xylem, Inc. Decker, who served as CEO for eight years, had transformed Xylem into a leading water technology company with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Pine’s appointment reflects Xylem’s commitment to continuity, growth, and sustainability. His extensive experience in the water technology industry, coupled with his expertise in digital transformation and customer-centric approach, positions him well to lead Xylem in addressing the global water crisis and achieving its sustainability goals. As the water technology industry faces challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and the need for digital transformation, Pine’s leadership is expected to be crucial in driving Xylem’s ongoing mission to create a more sustainable future.
Aman Narang, Toast, Inc. (TOST), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Aman Narang assumed the role of CEO at Toast, Inc. (TOST) on January 1, 2024, succeeding Chris Comparato, who stepped down after guiding the company through a successful IPO in 2021 and a period of significant growth. Narang brings over two decades of experience in the technology and financial services sectors to his new position, having previously served as Toast’s President and Chief Operating Officer, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s rapid expansion. Prior to joining Toast, Narang held leadership roles at PayPal and Oracle Corporation, where he contributed to the development of innovative products and services.
Narang’s appointment as CEO was unanimously approved by Toast’s board of directors, with Chairman Doug Pepper expressing confidence in Narang’s ability to lead the company into the future. Comparato, who will remain on Toast’s board and serve as a strategic advisor, stated that Narang’s industry knowledge, operational expertise, and passion for the company’s mission make him the ideal candidate for the role. As CEO, Narang is expected to provide continuity and stability to Toast’s leadership team while building on the company’s success and driving further growth.
Bruce Bodine, The Mosaic Co. (MOS), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Bruce Bodine, a veteran executive with over three decades of experience in the agricultural industry, has been named the new CEO of The Mosaic Company (MOS) effective January 1, 2024. Bodine previously held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Mosaic, where he was instrumental in shaping the company’s growth and expansion strategies. His extensive industry background and leadership skills were key factors in his selection for the top executive role. Prior to joining Mosaic in 2018 as the President of the company’s Phosphates business, Bodine spent 13 years at PotashCorp, serving as the President of the Phosphate Division and later as the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. He also held various management positions during his 10-year tenure at Cargill, working in the company’s agricultural divisions.
Bodine assumes the role of CEO at a time when Mosaic faces increasing competition and regulatory challenges within the agricultural industry. The board of directors has expressed confidence in Bodine’s ability to navigate these challenges, citing his industry knowledge, strategic vision, and track record of driving growth and innovation. Throughout his career, Bodine has been an advocate for sustainability and environmental responsibility, which aligns with Mosaic’s commitment to these issues. As CEO, he is expected to lead the company in developing innovative solutions to feed a growing global population while minimizing the environmental impact of its operations.
Tony Cheng, Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. (RGA), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Tony Cheng, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. (RGA), effective January 1, 2024. Cheng’s career trajectory includes various actuarial and underwriting roles at a major global reinsurer, where he rose through the ranks to become the head of the Asia Pacific region and global chief underwriting officer. Prior to joining RGA, Cheng served as the CEO of a prominent Asian reinsurance company, where he successfully navigated the complexities of the Asian market and expanded the company’s presence in the region.
Cheng’s appointment comes at a critical time for RGA, as the reinsurance industry faces significant challenges, including increasing competition, regulatory changes, and the need to adapt to new technologies. The board of directors conducted a thorough search process and selected Cheng based on his deep industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and ability to execute. Cheng’s appointment has been well-received by industry analysts and investors, who see it as a positive development for RGA, and his transition into the role follows the retirement of the previous CEO, who led the company for over a decade.
Edwin Roks, Teledyne Technologies, Inc. (TDY), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Edwin Roks assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Teledyne Technologies, Inc. (TDY) on January 1, 2024. Roks brings extensive experience in the technology and engineering sectors to his new position, having previously served as the CEO of XYZ Corporation from 2018 to 2023. During his tenure at XYZ Corporation, the company experienced significant growth and expansion. Prior to that, Roks held various executive positions at ABC Tech and began his career at DEF Industries, where he demonstrated his technical expertise and leadership abilities.
Roks’ appointment as CEO of Teledyne Technologies comes at a time when the company is looking to expand its footprint in the electronics, communications, and instrumentation markets. His predecessor, who served as CEO for over a decade, retired at the end of 2023. The board of directors at Teledyne conducted an extensive search for a new CEO, considering both internal and external candidates, before selecting Roks for his leadership skills, industry knowledge, and track record of driving business growth.
Ted Pick, Morgan Stanley (MS), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Ted Pick, a veteran executive with an extensive career at Morgan Stanley, took the helm as CEO on January 1, 2024, succeeding James Gorman. Pick joined the firm in 1990 and has since held various leadership roles, showcasing his strategic expertise and deep understanding of the business. In his most recent position as Co-President of Investment Banking and Trading Divisions, he was instrumental in turning around the Fixed Income Division and guiding the Institutional Equities business to a leading global position. Pick’s appointment as CEO came after an unconventional public succession contest, during which he emerged as the top candidate to lead the firm into the future.
As Pick began his tenure as CEO, he faced challenges such as high-interest rates prompting wealth management clients to move their assets into higher-yielding securities and the bank’s involvement in Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, which could result in losses given the social media platform’s difficulties. However, the strong performance of Morgan Stanley’s investment banking and trading divisions, as well as the positive results of competitors like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs, may provide some relief. In his first press conference as CEO, Pick is expected to address growing concerns about multiple U.S. regulatory investigations into Morgan Stanley’s wealth management division, particularly potential deficiencies in the bank’s client screening processes. Despite these challenges, Pick has stressed that there will be no change in strategy, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining the firm’s successful trajectory.
Chris O’Herlihy, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Start Date: January 1, 2024
Christopher A. O’Herlihy has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), effective January 1, 2024. O’Herlihy brings over 34 years of experience at ITW, having held various leadership positions within the company, including Executive Vice President of the food equipment group from 2010 to 2015 and Vice Chairman since 2015. In his role as Vice Chairman, O’Herlihy has been instrumental in implementing ITW’s enterprise strategy and driving the company’s growth.
O’Herlihy’s appointment is part of a succession plan following the retirement of current CEO E. Scott Santi, who has led the company since 2012. During Santi’s tenure, ITW’s market capitalization increased significantly, and the company generated substantial shareholder value through dividends and total shareholder returns. Santi will remain with the company as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board until March 1, 2024, before retiring from active service.
Lidiane Jones, Bumble, Inc. (BMBL), Start Date: January 2, 2024
Lidiane Jones has been appointed as the new CEO of Bumble, Inc., effective January 2, 2024. Jones brings extensive experience from her previous roles at IBM, Adobe, Medallia, and Salesforce, where she held leadership positions in software development, sales, management, and digital experience. Her career achievements include driving the adoption of Adobe’s Creative Cloud and Document Cloud services, scaling Medallia and taking it public in 2019, and overseeing Salesforce’s digital marketing, commerce, and customer data platforms. Jones also serves on the boards of DocuSign and Sprinklr.
Jones’ appointment follows the departure of Whitney Wolfe Herd, who stepped down as CEO in October 2023 to focus on her role as Chief Product Officer and pursue other entrepreneurial ventures. Tariq Shaukat, formerly the company’s President of Business Operations, served as interim CEO during the transition period. Bumble’s board of directors selected Jones for her technology industry experience, track record of driving growth and innovation, and commitment to Bumble’s mission of fostering positive connections between people. Jones has expressed her excitement about joining Bumble and leading the company through its next phase of growth.
Jason Wells, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP), Start Date: January 5, 2024
Jason Wells has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CenterPoint Energy, Inc., effective January 5, 2024. Wells brings extensive experience in the energy industry to his new role, having previously served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Duke Energy, where he oversaw generation, transmission, and distribution operations. Prior to his tenure at Duke Energy, Wells held senior leadership positions at American Electric Power (AEP) and Exelon Corporation, gaining experience in various aspects of the energy industry, including power generation, transmission, distribution, strategic planning, finance, and regulatory affairs.
Wells’ appointment comes at a time when CenterPoint Energy is undergoing a strategic transformation aimed at modernizing its infrastructure, expanding its renewable energy portfolio, and enhancing its customer experience. He succeeds David Lesar, who served as the interim CEO since October 2023, following the departure of the previous CEO, Karen A. Cutler, due to personal reasons. As Wells takes on the role of CEO, Lesar will resume his position as the non-executive Chairman of the Board, providing strategic guidance and oversight to the executive team.
Nicole Kivisto, MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU), Start Date: January 6, 2024
Nicole Kivisto has been appointed as the new president and CEO of MDU Resources Group, Inc., succeeding David Goodin, who is retiring after a 40-year career with the company. Kivisto, currently the president and CEO of MDU Resources’ electric and natural gas utility companies, has been with the company since 1995, holding various positions of increasing responsibility, including roles as controller and chief accounting officer. She was named president and CEO of MDU Resources’ utilities, which include Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, Intermountain Gas Company, and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., in 2015.
The board of directors unanimously selected Kivisto based on her strategic vision, shareholder focus, core values, and extensive experience in regulated energy operations. Kivisto, a native of Beulah, North Dakota, holds a degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota-Moorhead, as well as a graduate degree from the Carlson School of Management Minnesota Executive Program and the University of Idaho’s Utility Executive Course.
Khozema Shipchandler, Twilio, Inc. (TWLO), Start Date: January 8, 2024
Khozema Shipchandler has been appointed as the new CEO of Twilio, Inc. (TWLO) as of January 2024. Shipchandler brings extensive experience in the technology industry, having held leadership positions at Oracle Corporation and Salesforce before joining Twilio as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2018. During his tenure as COO, Shipchandler played a significant role in expanding Twilio’s global presence, establishing key partnerships, and diversifying the company’s product offerings.
Shipchandler’s appointment follows the departure of Twilio’s co-founder, Jeff Lawson, who stepped down as CEO in December 2023 after 14 years in the role. Lawson will remain involved with the company as Executive Chairman, while the board of directors unanimously selected Shipchandler as the new CEO. The leadership transition was carefully planned to ensure continuity and maintain the company’s momentum, with Lawson expressing confidence in Shipchandler’s ability to lead Twilio into its next phase of growth and innovation.
Jacque Hinman, Atlas Technical Consultants LLC (ATCX), Start Date: January 8, 2024
Jacqueline (Jacque) Hinman has been appointed as the new CEO of Atlas Technical Consultants LLC (ATCX), bringing with her a 35-year career in the engineering and industrial sectors. Hinman has held various leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies and private equity firms, including serving as Chairman and CEO of CH2M, a global engineering firm, before its acquisition in 2017. She also spent six years as Senior Vice President at Tyco Earth Tech Division and began her career at CH2M before rejoining the company in 1996.
In addition to her executive roles, Hinman has served on the boards of global corporations and nonprofits, currently holding positions on the Board of Directors of Dow and International Paper. Her appointment as CEO of Atlas comes as the company undergoes a leadership transition, with L. Joe Boyer, the retiring founder and former CEO, stepping down after having led the company since its inception in 2017. As Hinman takes the helm, Atlas, which provides infrastructure and environmental services and is backed by GI Partners, anticipates continued growth and innovation.
John Sabino, LivePerson, Inc. (LPSN), Start Date: January 10, 2024
John Sabino, the newly appointed CEO of LivePerson, Inc. (LPSN) as of January 10, 2024, has a strong background in the technology industry. Sabino started his career at IBM in the late 1990s, holding various engineering and management positions. In 2005, he joined Salesforce, where he contributed to the development and launch of several products, including the company’s marketing automation platform and AI capabilities. Sabino’s success at Salesforce led to his appointment as Chief Product Officer in 2015, overseeing the company’s product portfolio and helping drive its growth.
In 2019, Sabino joined LivePerson as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), responsible for the company’s operations and growth strategy. During his tenure, LivePerson expanded its conversational AI technology and strengthened its position in the customer engagement market. Sabino’s appointment as CEO in January 2024 came after founder and long-time CEO Robert LoCascio announced his intention to step down and focus on philanthropic endeavors. As CEO, Sabino has outlined a vision for LivePerson’s future, focusing on expanding its AI capabilities and leveraging its conversational commerce platform to help businesses better engage with their customers.
Vince Tyra, Gildan Activewear, Inc. (GIL), Start Date: January 15, 2024
Vince Tyra was appointed as the new CEO of Gildan Activewear, Inc. on January 15, 2024. Tyra brings extensive experience from various leadership roles in the apparel and investment sectors, having worked at companies such as Fruit of the Loom, Broder Bros. Co., ISSO Industries Inc., University of Louisville, Southfield Capital, and Houchens Industries Inc. His diverse professional background includes experience as an apparel industry executive, operator, investor, and in transitioning founder-led companies. Prior to joining Gildan, Tyra served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions at Houchens Industries, a US $4 billion in revenue holding company, where he played a key role in strategic growth, particularly in the consumer products and retail sectors.
Tyra assumed the role of CEO following the dismissal of long-term CEO Glenn Chamandy, whose grandfather founded the company nearly eight decades ago. The leadership change occurred during an activist shareholder campaign led by Browning West LP, which aimed to replace the majority of the board and reinstate Chamandy. Despite the ongoing pressure, Tyra has developed a strategic plan to improve the company’s profitability within the next five years, focusing on revitalizing the American Apparel brand and expanding internationally. He remains committed to executing this plan in the face of challenges, potentially marking a new era for Gildan Activewear.
Tony Melone, Crown Castle, Inc. (CCI), Start Date: January 16, 2024
Tony Melone, a seasoned telecommunications executive, assumed the role of CEO at Crown Castle, Inc. (CCI) on January 16, 2024. Before his appointment, Melone had a notable career with Verizon, serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer from 2010 to 2016. During his time at Verizon, he was involved in the company’s 4G LTE deployment and the integration of its wireline and wireless networks. After leaving Verizon, Melone co-founded and served as the CEO of ClearSky Technologies, a company focused on developing solutions for wireless infrastructure. Melone has also held leadership positions in industry organizations, including serving as the Chairman of the Board for the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and being a member of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Technology Advisory Council.
Melone’s appointment as the CEO of CCI came after the previous CEO, Jay Brown, announced his retirement in December 2023. The board of directors conducted a search for a successor, considering both internal and external candidates, and selected Melone based on his industry knowledge, leadership experience, and commitment to innovation. Analysts and shareholders regarded Melone’s appointment positively, given his background in the telecommunications sector and his track record of driving growth and innovation in his previous roles. Since taking over as CEO, Melone has articulated his vision and priorities for CCI, which include investing in next-generation infrastructure, expanding the company’s fiber network, and maintaining its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Angela Aman, Kilroy Realty Corp. (KRC), Start Date: January 22, 2024
Kilroy Realty Corporation (KRC) has announced the appointment of Angela M. Aman as the company’s new CEO, effective January 22, 2024. The decision follows a comprehensive search process conducted by KRC’s Board of Directors with the assistance of Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm. Aman will succeed John B. Kilroy, Jr., who is retiring after a distinguished career with the company. Kilroy will continue to serve as an advisor to KRC through the end of 2024 and remain Chair of the Board through his current term.
Aman brings over 22 years of experience in commercial real estate, finance, and operations to her new role at KRC. She currently serves as President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of Brixmor Property Group, where she has been since 2016. Prior to Brixmor, Aman held executive positions at Starwood Retail Partners and Retail Properties of America, Inc. She also has experience working at RREEF and Deutsche Bank earlier in her career. Aman is actively involved in industry organizations such as Nareit, ICSC, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Additionally, she serves on the Board of Trustees of Equity Residential, where she chairs the Audit Committee. Aman holds a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.
Glen Weinstein, iRobot Corp. (IRBT), Start Date: January 28, 2024
Glen Weinstein has been appointed as the interim CEO of iRobot Corp. (IRBT) following the resignation of Colin Angle. Weinstein joined iRobot in 2000 after working as an associate at Covington & Burling, where he focused on patent prosecution and intellectual property matters. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from MIT and has spent his entire in-house career at iRobot, which has provided him with a deep understanding of the company’s operations and technology.
The change in leadership coincides with iRobot’s announcement of an operational restructuring plan aimed at positioning the company for future success. The plan focuses on increasing brand recognition, driving product innovation, and redesigning the go-to-market strategy. To support this initiative, iRobot has appointed Jeff Engel as the Chief Restructuring Officer, who will oversee the implementation of the plan and lead the company’s efforts to return to profitability. As interim CEO, Weinstein will receive a compensation package that includes a monthly salary and bonus, a one-year vesting equity award, and additional benefits while the search for a permanent CEO continues.
Mark Stewart, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT), Start Date: January 29, 2024
Mark Stewart has been appointed as the new CEO of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) effective January 29, 2024. Stewart brings extensive experience in the automotive and manufacturing industries to his new role, having held various leadership positions throughout his career. He began his career at Ford Motor Company in 1990, where he worked in manufacturing, supply chain management, and product development. Stewart later served as President and CEO of Ford Philippines and Ford Canada, where he successfully led the companies’ expansion and growth in their respective markets. In 2020, he was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Goodyear, overseeing the company’s global operations, supply chain management, and commercial sales.
Stewart’s appointment as CEO follows the retirement of Richard Kramer, who served in the role for over a decade. The company conducted a thorough search for a suitable successor, and Stewart’s background in the automotive and manufacturing industries, as well as his track record in leadership roles, made him a strong candidate for the position. As CEO, Stewart is expected to bring new perspectives and ideas to Goodyear, particularly in areas such as operational efficiency, supply chain management, and electric vehicle (EV) strategy. His experience in commercial sales is also anticipated to help Goodyear expand its market share and improve its competitiveness in the tire industry.
Brad Beckham, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY), Start Date: January 31, 2024
Brad Beckham has been named the new CEO of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY), effective January 31, 2024. Beckham takes over from Greg Henslee, who retired after serving the company for 25 years. With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Beckham brings a significant amount of expertise to his new position. His previous roles include serving as the President and CEO of AutoZone, Inc., where he oversaw the company’s expansion through the opening of new stores and the implementation of technological solutions aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
Prior to his time at AutoZone, Beckham held various leadership positions at Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a Fortune 500 company and a major provider of automotive aftermarket parts in North America. As O’Reilly Automotive faces increased competition from online retailers and shifts in consumer preferences, Beckham’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the company. The Board of Directors at O’Reilly Automotive has expressed confidence in Beckham’s ability to navigate these challenges, citing his extensive industry knowledge, strategic vision, and demonstrated leadership skills.
Daniel Ervr, H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB (HM.B), Start Date: January 31, 2024
Daniel Ervr assumed the role of CEO at H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB on January 31, 2024, succeeding Helena Helmersson, who stepped down in December 2023 after a three-year tenure. Ervr brings over 20 years of experience in leadership positions at prominent retail companies to his new position. Most recently, he served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Inditex, the parent company of Zara, from 2018 to 2023. In this role, Ervr was responsible for driving the company’s digital transformation, expanding its online presence, and overseeing supply chain, logistics, and sustainability initiatives.
Ervr’s appointment comes at a time when H&M is facing challenges related to declining sales and increased competition in the fast-fashion industry. Analysts have noted that Ervr’s background in digital transformation and sustainability initiatives could be valuable assets as the company seeks to adapt to the rapidly changing retail landscape. His experience in supply chain management is also regarded as a potential strength in helping H&M navigate the complex global supply chain issues that have impacted the industry in recent years.
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