Voith has announced that Bob Gallo is to succeed Kevin Frank as President and CEO of Voith Hydro, Inc. in York, Pennslyvania, following Frank’s decision to leave the company at the end of the year.
Gallo, who is currently the Executive Director of the Voith Corporate Service Center in North America and has served as President and CEO of Voith Paper North America, will start at Voith Hydro immediately, and work with Frank to transition into his new role as President and CEO. Frank, who has been with Voith since 2007 and has served as President and CEO of Voith Hydro US since 2010, is leaving the company on his own accord to pursue a new career challenge.
“Kevin has done a tremendous job leading Voith Hydro’s operations in the U.S. during what has been a challenging period in the global economy," said Dr. Roland Münch, Chairman of the Management Board for Voith Hydro. "We wish Kevin well in his new endeavors, but are excited that an experienced and talented Voithian will be taking his place. Voith has full confidence that Bob Gallo will continue to build on what has thus far been a very successful year for Voith Hydro’s U.S. operations, and put the company in a strong position for the years ahead."
Gallo, who is currently based in Appleton, WI, started his career in the Voith Group 15 years ago, when he was given worldwide responsibility for forming fabrics within Voith’s Paper division. In 2002, he was put in charge of the entire Fabrics business in North and South America. In 2007, Gallo was named Regional President for Voith Paper North America. In April of this year, Gallo changed to Voith Holding Inc. North America, where he looked after the interests of the Voith Group as Executive Director of the still-developing Corporate Service Center North America. His successor at the Corporate Service Center will be named in the coming months. Gallo has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, and also holds a MBA.
“I am excited about my new opportunity within the Voith family," said Gallo. "Voith Hydro is a dynamic group division of Voith, and helps supply the energy that will power our economic future. I look forward to transitioning over to Voith Hydro over the next weeks, and working with the talented team assembled in York and locations across the U.S."
Gallo will be working alongside a senior management team that has a long history and strong ties to Voith Hydro and the York area. Last year, Stan Kocon – a 26-year Voith veteran – was named as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Voith Hydro, Inc. Later in 2013, Carl Atkinson was named Director of Sales and Marketing. Carl has 18 years of experience at Voith Hydro.