Barnwell, S.C. – Kronotex USA Holdings announces the forthcoming retirement of Norm Voss as its president and CEO and the appointment of George R. Kelley to those positions effective July 1, 2012.
Voss will remain with the company as a Member of the Board of Directors and continue to be actively involved in future expansion, investment and raw material sourcing activities for the company’s parent, the Swiss Krono Group. Kelley is a former President and CEO of Pergo North America and President and CEO of two specialty metal companies, Bohler Uddeholm Specialty Metals and Zapp USA.
“The succession planning process for Mr. Voss’s retirement began last fall and was concluded when Mr. Kelley recently became available to assume the positions of president and CEO,” said Andreas Böttger, Swiss Krono Group COO.
Voss, who has spent an impressive 44 years in the wood panel and laminate business, commented, “I am extremely pleased and excited to turn over the operations of Kronotex USA to Mr. Kelley and be able to spend more time with my family and other personal interests while still being involved with the future growth and development of the company in the Americas.”
“I am excited and honored to join the team at Kronotex USA,” said Mr. Kelley. “The industry has experienced a great deal of change and challenges over the past few years, but Mr. Voss and the Swiss Krono Group have laid a great foundation and I believe that Kronotex is in a strong position financially, operationally and has the product portfolio to reach new levels of success in North America. I am very pleased that Mr. Voss will remain in an active role on the Board and I look forward to having his experience and guidance as we navigate the road to achieving our long term goals”.