Dalton – Beaulieu Group announced a transition to dual CEOs as Dr. Ralph J. Boe, CEO of Beaulieu America, prepares his retirement from the company he has led for a dozen years. Boe’s retirement will be effective February 28, 2014. Beaulieu Group also announced that Karel Vercruyssen has been promoted to CEO/president of Beaulieu America, effective immediately. Vercruyssen was named president and COO of Beaulieu America in April, 2012. Prior to joining Beaulieu America in 2012, Vercruyssen was CEO and president of Beaulieu Canada for five years.
In the interim 10 months, Boe will act as a co-CEO, assisting Vercruyssen and the entire management team in a smooth transition.
“I have had a great 12-year run at Beaulieu, and as with any company there comes a time for change,” stated Boe. “While I’m ready for this move personally, I thank all those who have worked so hard to assist in creating a wonderful company to be associated with, and I will certainly miss them when I leave. I have always appreciated their commitment to Beaulieu and their trust in me.”
Vercruyssen added, “I am honored and look forward to taking the position of CEO of Beaulieu America and continuing to work with our employees, customers, board, suppliers, and communities to make this the best company for everyone involved and increase our position in the industry.”
“These moves are all part of the overall transition to the next generation of leaders for Beaulieu America,” noted Boe. “This is both an exciting time for the company as well as a renewed commitment by the Bouckaert and Hanssens families to the continuity of the company.”
About Dr. Ralph J. Boe
Boe has over 40 years of experience in both the carpet and fiber business. Prior to joining Beaulieu in April 2001, he spent four and a half years as CEO/managing director of Carpets International, the largest carpet manufacturer in the United Kingdom. From 1993 to 1996, he served as CEO and president for Diamond Rug and Carpet Mills, as well as Horizon, where he was president for nine years. From 1983 to 1984, he managed a $500-million fiber business for E.I. du Pont de Nemours (Textile Fibers) during his 15-year tenure at E.I. du Pont. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Maryland (1970), a B.A. in Mathematics and Chemistry from Augustana College (1965), and a B.M.S. from American Management Association (1982). Boe was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at Surfaces in 2011.
About Karel Vercruyssen
As president and COO, Vercruyssen has overseen the commercial division, woven fabrics, specialty fabrics, residential and operations. He joined Beaulieu Canada in March of 2007 as CEO and board member. Vercruyssen has a degree in Business Engineering (quantitative production management) from the Catholic University of Leuven Belgium. He has worked in different industries (semi-conductor, yarn and fiber extrusion, automotive and carpet industry) in various management positions.