Great Dane appointed Eddie Martin EVP and chief commercial officer, effective Aug. 3, the company announced in a press release.
Martin’s appointment shores up the Chicago-based, privately-held OEM’s executive ranks as key leaders are retiring this year, including President and COO Rick Mullininx, who is set to retire Dec. 31.
Martin will lead Great Dane’s commercial strategy and sales organization, overseeing revenue growth efforts and opportunities to strengthen customer relationships, per the release.
Interim CEO Mel Cohen said Martin’s strategic experience, commercial expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in building on Great Dane’s momentum.
“His track record of driving growth and developing high-performing teams makes him an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” Cohen said in the July 13 announcement.
Martin’s career includes more than three decades of leadership in the manufacturing and industrial markets, according to the release. He most recently was SVP of sales at promotional product supplier PCNA where he led sales initiatives and strengthened the company’s business performance.
Martin also served as chief commercial officer for GE Industrial Services and chief marketing officer for GE Appliances. Martin also previously held the role of president at packaging company WestRock.
Great Dane, a maker of dry van and flatbed trailers and refrigerated truck bodies, in May appointed Cohen, a long-time company advisory board member, interim CEO. The company followed that up by naming Diana Yan as EVP and CFO in June. Yan will succeed EVP and CFO Jim Petrarca, who is retiring Oct. 1.
Mullininx, whose retirement was announced last September, is also assisting with key strategic company projects and aiding in the firm’s search and selection of a permanent CEO. According to the company, as of early May, the CEO search remains ongoing.
