CP Kelco to overhaul business structure
business structure, in a move designed to boost its regional
operations.
According to CP Kelco, the move will allow it to develop closer relationships with its customers, better understand their needs, and improve its service. The restructuring follows the appointment in September last year of Don Rubright as the firm's new president. "Through Rubright's analysis and understanding of the business, he came to the conclusion that we'd be better served if we reorganized on a regional basis as opposed to our traditional approach," said Cindy Palermo, the firm's marketing communications manager. "Before we lacked a regional focus, we were organized in a very global fashion, with more hierarchy and more senior managerial positions. Now we'll have more people in the field, who will focus on immediate customers in their sector. If there's more intimacy with customers we'll be better able to respond to their needs," she told FoodNavigator-USA.com. Under the company's business realignment, David Edgington, formerly VP Global Industrial Products, will become VP and regional manager of Europe-Middle East-Africa. Hyung Hahn will continue in the position of President Asia-Pacific, while Martin Sapone, formerly director, Global Food Sales, will become VP and regional manager of The Americas. The firm said regional business units will be supported by three global teams. Didier Viala, VP Marketing and Innovations, will lead a team to develop and commercialize new products and applications. Akiva Gross, formerly VP Research & Development, will serve as technology advisor to the president. Global manufacturing, engineering, and environmental and regulatory compliance will be led by Russ Jordan, VP Global Operations. Jerry Coughlin, VP Supply Chain and Services, will have responsibilities for purchasing, quality assurance, logistics, and IT. "These changes will refocus our world class organization to deliver better service and more value to our customers," said Rubright. CP Kelco said its original business structure was a result of the way the firm was formed: through the merging of three companies. Originally formed in 2000 by the combination of Copenhagen Pectin/Food Gums Division of Hercules Incorporated and the Kelco Biopolymers group of Monsanto/Pharmacia Corporation, CP Kelco is now owned by JM Huber Corporation and includes Huber's former Noviant business.
