PAWCATUCK, CONN. (Oct. 18, 1:20 p.m. ET) — Extrusion and converting equipment major Davis-Standard LLC is combining the two businesses in a global sales and marketing team, effective Oct. 16.
“We want to take advantage of our global customer base, including the United States and emerging markets,” explained Bob Florence, newly appointed vice president of global sales and marketing, in a telephone interview from D-S’s headquarters in Pawcatuck, Conn.
“It’s how to serve the customer better and expand our reach, ” Florence added. Historically the extrusion and converting businesses ran separate commercial teams.
Florence will oversee the direction of D-S’s sales, product management, marketing and proposal groups worldwide. The consolidation of the extrusion and converting businesses also leads to the appointment of Jim Murphy as vice president of product line management, reporting to Florence. Murphy, a 23-year veteran with D-S, will provide guidance and direction to product line leaders and develop customer-focused business strategies.
Florence began his 21 years of experience in sales and marketing with GE Plastics, taking on assignments around the world. Most recently he was responsible for business development at Solazyme Inc., a South San Francisco, Calif., developer and producer of renewable oils and chemicals. Florence reports to D-S CEO Bob Preston.
D-S also said Mark Panozzo, who was president of the firm’s converting systems, has decided to pursue other opportunities outside D-S.
