Oshkosh Corp., JLG Industries’ parent company and a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies as well as aerial work platforms, last week announced presidential changes at the corporate level and in its Access Equipment and Commercial business segments.
Effective Aug. 1, Frank Nerenhausen will take over as president of the Access Equipment segment – the JLG brand -- and remain an Oshkosh Corp. executive vice president. Nerenhausen currently serves as Oshkosh Corp. executive vice president and president of the Commercial segment and McNeilus, positions he has held since 2010.
Nerenhausen has been a driving force in improving the operational efficiencies of the Commercial segment, promoting compressed natural gas-powered vehicle initiatives and leading the segment to profitability in spite of extremely low industry volumes. He has held a number of key executive sales and finance positions during his 26-year career with Oshkosh.
Nerenhausen will replace Wilson Jones, current Oshkosh executive vice president and president of the Access Equipment segment, who was promoted to president and chief operating officer of Oshkosh Corp. In his new capacity, Jones will lead and direct all aspects of the Access Equipment, Fire & Emergency and Commercial segments, along with the company’s Asian operations. He will report to Charlie Szews, current Oshkosh Corp. president and CEO.
Szews will continue to serve as CEO and as a member of the Oshkosh Corp. board of directors. John Urias, Oshkosh Corp. executive vice president and president of the Defense segment, along with all other members of the corporate executive operating team, will continue to report to Szews. Over time, as progress is made in executing the MOVE strategy, Jones will assume greater responsibilities including oversight of the Defense segment and certain corporate functions.
“This organizational change will allow the company and the business segments to execute our MOVE strategy faster and more effectively as we pursue market growth, optimize our cost and capital structure, innovate and expand globally,” Szews said. “Wilson Jones has been an outstanding addition to our organization, championing change and pursuing sustainable growth opportunities to build upon our market-leading positions and create value for our shareholders.”
Jones has led the Access Equipment segment since 2010. Under Jones’ leadership, the segment has accelerated global expansion and new product development in preparation for the global recovery in access equipment markets. Sales for the Access Equipment segment for full year fiscal 2012 are expected to be up 35 to 40 percent compared with fiscal 2011 totals.
Jones joined Oshkosh in 2005, and previously served as Oshkosh Corp. executive vice president and president of the Fire & Emergency segment from 2008 to 2010.
Todd Fierro is being promoted to Oshkosh Corp. senior vice president and president of the Commercial segment and McNeilus. Fierro joined McNeilus in 2011 as vice president of operations for the Commercial segment and has been instrumental in improving operating efficiencies and quality while launching the lean principles and tools of the Oshkosh Operating System throughout the McNeilus operations. He has held key manufacturing positions at several companies including Ford Motor Co.
“These executives are all highly qualified, proven business leaders with outstanding leadership skills who will deliver value for all of our shareholders and customers,” said Szews.
Oshkosh Corp. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. It manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh, JLG, Pierce, McNeilus, Medtec, Jerr-Dan, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline, SMIT, CON-E-CO, London and IMT.
