Becker Underwood announces new leadership structure

Date:06-21-2012

A rapidly expanding global business has led to major organizational leadership changes for Becker Underwood's corporate executive team and North American business unit.

"We are experiencing strong demand for our products on a global basis," says Peter Innes, chief executive officer of Becker Underwood. "Our company must continue to evolve in structure and staffing to meet the demands of our customers as well as our planned growth targets. We feel these new leadership positions will let us reach our goals."

At the executive team level, Paul Holliday assumes the newly created position of chief strategist. In this role, Holliday will provide direction, expertise and support to the company's executive team to ensure the execution of Becker Underwood's corporate strategic plan. He will assist in the design of the global organizational structure and ensure that operational decisions align with corporate strategy at all levels within the organization. Additionally, Holliday is charged with communicating the corporate vision and strategy across all company functions, departments and business units. He most recently served as director of marketing, sales & operations - NAFTA region.

Fernando Lopez assumes the role of global business development lead. In this new position, Lopez is charged with identifying trendsetter ideas and working closely with the company's Research and Development team to identify in-licensing opportunities. He also will assess potential business deals and ensure that the company has a consistent and coherent framework for collaborations with partners and global customers.

Mike McFatrich assumes the role of director of marketing & sales - NAFTA region. In this newly created position, McFatrich has management responsibility for all aspects of marketing and sales within the NAFTA region. He most recently served as national sales manager - U.S. and Mexico.

Chris Feiden assumes the newly created role of global head of operations and supply chain. In this position, Feiden has direct management responsibilities for all manufacturing operations within the NAFTA region. He also will oversee all global manufacturing operations to ensure standardization of process, products, procedures and global supply-chain management. Feiden has held several previous positions in the company, most recently as head of operations for the company's St. Joseph, Mo., and Caldwell, Idaho, production facilities.

The changes do not affect the company's Colorbiotics subsidiary, also headquartered in Ames, Iowa.