Joy Global names new president and COO; Christopher Ruud succeeds father at helm of Racine company
Joy Global names new president and COO
Randal W. Baker has been named president and chief operating officer of P&H Mining Equipment effective Nov. 30. He will also become executive vice president of Joy Global Inc., corporate parent of P&H.
Baker worked previously at CNH Global N.V., where he was president and chief executive officer of its agricultural equipment business. He previously spent 14 years in a series of progressively senior leadership roles in the mining equipment industry, which included management positions with Tamrock Corp., the construction and mining division of Ingersoll-Rand, and Komatsu.
“Randy brings us a tremendous balance of industry experience, global business leadership and drive for performance,” said Mike Sutherlin, president and chief executive officer. “I know he will make a quick start and have a long term impact on our business. As such, Randy is a major addition to a strong management team that will continue to deliver leading performance to both our customers and our shareholders.”
Christopher Ruud succeeds father at helm of Racine company
Ruud Lighting Inc., a Racine-based manufacturer of LED and conventional lighting, announced the promotion of Christopher Ruud to president, succeeding his father, Alan Ruud, who founded the company in 1982.
In his new role, Christopher Ruud will oversee all U.S.-based business units and operations of the company. Alan Ruud will retain his role as chairman and CEO.
The move comes at a pivotal time as the company prepares for a transition from traditional lighting to the new LED platform that is growing in demand. Christopher Ruud was instrumental in building the infrastructure for the launch of BetaLED in 2007. The Ruuds realized the potential for LED technology and were first to market a complete line of BetaLED luminaires that are replacing incumbent technology.
"With Christopher running the day-to-day business and growing our LED infrastructure, I can focus on our international expansion and new product development," Alan Ruud said. "Christopher never relied on his status as an owner and had to earn every promotion. I guess you could say all eyes were on him."
"My father built a business that has a strong foundation of quality products, talent and reputation," Christopher Ruud said. "I intend to carry that tradition forward as we move into new opportunities made possible by the industry transformation to LED lighting. We’re well positioned for this change."
