Freightliner LLC announces new management structure

Feb. 1, 2002
To achieve objectives of its turnaround plan, Freightliner LLC has unveiled a new management structure that includes: A streamlined Executive Committee.

To achieve objectives of its turnaround plan, Freightliner LLC has unveiled a new management structure that includes:

  • A streamlined Executive Committee.

  • Consolidation of order administration, manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, and information technology under one group.

  • Centralization of financial controlling, dealer operations, and employee services.

  • Strengthening of management resources in the company's used-truck operations.

  • Realignment of Orion Bus and Thomas Dennis Corp under DaimlerChrysler's commercial bus division, Evobus. Thomas Built Buses will remain part of Freightliner's companies.

Dr Juergen Kritschgau has been named senior vice-president — finance and controlling for Freightliner LLC. He most recently served as vice-president of finance and controlling for Mercedes-Benz USA. Kritschgau succeeds Dr Udo Schnell, who is now chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz Lenkungen.

Chris Patterson has been appointed senior vice-president — parts and service, Freightliner LLC. Patterson, who previously served as president of Freightliner of Canada and senior vice-president — sales and marketing, Freightliner Trucks, succeeds John Pangborn, who is retiring.

Bob Cariglia is now vice-president of sales for Freightliner Trucks. He most recently was general manager — marketing, for this unit.

Carsten Reinhardt has been named manager of the Portland OR truck and parts manufacturing plants, effective June 2002. Reinhardt is serving as general manager — manufacturing operations for Western Star Trucks and will manage the transition of Western Star manufacturing operations to Portland.

Mark Moseley has been named manager of the Mount Holly (NC) truck manufacturing plant. Most recently manager of Freightliner's Portland truck and parts manufacturing plants, he replaces the retiring Ken West.

John Stevenson has been promoted to manager of the Cleveland (NC) truck manufacturing plant. He was formerly assistant plant manager at Cleveland. Paul Speer, current plant manager, is retiring.

Knut Anderson has been named manager — Santiago Tianguistenco (Mexico) truck manufacturing plant, effective June 2002. He will replace current Santiago plant manager Monte Stoughton, who is retiring at midyear. In the interim, Anderson will serve as plant manager for Freightliner's Portland truck and parts manufacturing plants.

Greg McCoy, promoted to manager — Gastonia (NC) parts manufacturing plant, most recently was Gastonia's assistant plant manager. Buddy Kircus, current plant manager, is retiring.

Paul Romannagi has been named general manager of quality — Freightliner LLC. He most recently served as director — customer support operations for Freightliner LLC. He replaces Ron Bush, who has been named director of warranty.

Bruce Smalley becomes general manager — marketing and strategy. Smalley was formerly manager — DaimlerChrysler components for Freightliner.

Freidrich Baumann has been named general manager — used-truck acquisitions and operations. He previously held a director-level position in Freightliner LLC's used-truck group.

Reid Bigland has been named general manager of dealer operations — Freightliner LLC. Bigland most recently served as director — vocational sales for Sterling Trucks. Harry Backeberg, current general manager of dealer operations, is retiring.