EVENFLO NAMES WAYNE W. ROBINSON CEO
VANDALIA, Ohio, July 25, 2001
-- Evenflo Company, Inc. today announced that
it has named Wayne W. Robinson CEO. A veteran
of Boston Consulting Group and General Electric,
Mr. Robinson brings to the company extensive
expertise in manufacturing operations and product
supply.
Mr. Robinson succeeds Richard W. Frank, who
has decided to step aside from his responsibilities
after a three-year tenure as CEO. Mr. Frank
indicated to the Board of Directors that he
wished to move on because the nature of the
CEO job at Evenflo has evolved over the past
three years from a strong emphasis on new products,
sales and customer service, areas in which he
has broad expertise, to one of operating and
supply chain efficiencies. Under Mr. Frank's
leadership, the company introduced an array
of innovative new products, increased sales,
achieved best in class levels of customer service
and created highly effective category and customer
business teams.
Mr. Robinson joins Evenflo from United Fixtures
Company, a privately held concern based in Niles,
Michigan of which he has been CEO since 1998.
United Fixtures is substantially owned by the
partners of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
(KKR), which owns a majority of Evenflo.
Michael Tokarz, a Director of the Company and
a KKR executive stated: "We are very appreciative
of all that Rick has done to build Evenflo and
position the company for future success; we
wish him the best in his future leadership roles
and business endeavors. We are very fortunate
to have a manager with Wayne Robinson's experience
and skills to build on what Rick Frank and his
team have accomplished. As private investors
in United Fixtures, my partners and I have had
the opportunity to work with Wayne directly
for the past three years. We know what he can
do and have every confidence in his capabilities."
Mr. Frank stated: "I think this is the
right time for me to transition as Evenflo currently
has a lot going for it as reflected in 'best
in class' customer service levels, the large
pipeline of innovative new products, and strength
of the Company's category and customer business
teams. I have no doubt that Evenflo is on track
to become a world-leading baby products company."
Mr. Robinson commented, "Evenflo has world-class
brands and world-class potential. To fulfill
that potential, we will be working very hard
to achieve equally world-class quality and efficiency
across our operations and supply chain. I am
excited about this opportunity and about delivering
the kinds of performance I know this company
is capable of."
Edwin Artzt, former Chairman and CEO of Procter
& Gamble and a director of Evenflo, said,
"We will miss Rick's energy and enthusiasm
and wish him well. I join in welcoming Wayne
Robinson to the Company. His proven track record
and strong operating skills will be of great
benefit to Evenflo."
Mr. Robinson will remain Chairman of United
Fixtures. He is also a director of Walter Industries,
a $2 billion company of diversified holdings.
Prior to joining United Fixtures, Mr. Robinson
was President and CEO of Allied Foods, Inc.,
a privately-held pet food manufacturer, from
1996 to 1998. From 1994-1996 he was General
Manager, Manufacturing, in GE's Power Delivery
division. Mr. Robinson, 41, is married and has
two sons.
Evenflo is one of the world's most recognized
innovators and marketers of infant and juvenile
products. Headquartered in Vandalia, Ohio, its
lines include car seats, strollers, baby bottles,
infant soft and frame carriers, pacifiers, gates,
high chairs, activity centers, swings, and cribs.
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CONTACT:
Brian Bloom
Media
(216) 348-8520
Daryle A. Lovett
Sr. Executive VP Finance & CFO
(937) 415-3205
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