ARCTIC CAT HIRES PAUL FISHER AS VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Fisher previously led manufacturing operations for Ingersoll Rand and Maytag
Arctic Cat Inc. today announced that the company has named Paul Fisher, 53, as vice president of operations, effective immediately. Fisher brings more than 25 years of leadership experience with international businesses, driving lean manufacturing, quality and supply chain improvements, and building effective teams. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Fisher succeeds Ron Ray, who is retiring from Arctic Cat on May 15 after 18 years with the company.
Commented Christopher Twomey, Arctic Cat’s chairman and chief executive officer: “We are pleased to welcome Paul to Arctic Cat’s leadership team. He brings an impressive operations skill set, with a proven record of implementing lean manufacturing tools. Paul’s expertise complements our organization’s strategic direction and continuous improvement goals. We also want to thank Ron, who is retiring from this position after 18 years. Ron’s contributions are significant. He has been a strong leader, who has worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of Arctic Cat’s operations.”
Fisher joins Arctic Cat from Ingersoll Rand, where he served as business leader of the Trane Residential Division’s operations in Tyler, Texas, Ingersoll Rand’s largest plant. There, he oversaw manufacturing operations of outdoor condensers, leading improvements in the cost of goods sold, safety and quality.
Before joining Ingersoll Rand, Fisher was employed by Maytag Corporation for approximately 21 years, most recently as vice president of southwest operations for Maytag’s Hoover Vacuum Division. In this position, he led twin manufacturing operations in El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, and drove lean efficiencies. During his tenure at Maytag, Fisher also held increasingly responsible positions directing manufacturing strategies, materials procurement and supply quality.
In addition, Fisher previously was employed as vice president, Chance Business, Hubbell Power Systems Division, an approximately $170 million division that manufactures transmission and telecommunications products for the power utility industry.
Fisher holds an M.B.A. degree from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois, and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.
I wonder if this guy has ever seen a snowmobile. I don’t see ANYTHING related to the sport in his Bio. This is everything that’s wrong with corporate America. The upper management is ever changing. There’s no direction and money is constantly being wasted because “The New Guy” is trying to make a name for himself so he can “Take the next step”…..at another company of course. Oh, intresting in the 25 years this guy was at Trane and Maytag the quality of the products from both those companies, that used to lead their industries, has tanked. Nice work Cat.
I was thinking the same thing, it might be nice Arctic Cat for you to hire someone who has seen a snowmobile before. So he has supply chain experience…ok great…in what…washers and dryers….hmmm….maytag….hmmmmm. Hell, steal away somebody from the same industry. Nice hire Twomey, you really got a good one-way to use the opportunity wisely. This guy’s walking into an industry he has no idea about at a time when AC needs to be on thier toes.
Maybe I’m missing something, but my opinion is that the VP of Operations be someone whose expertise/passion be manufacturing, process, effeciency, etc… Of course it’s always a bonus if the person has a passion for the product, but not required in my book. Now… for engineering, sales and marketing… I absolutely want people who have a passion for the product.
Went on an ATV ride with the new guy. He was on a 700 and I had to use all of the Thundercat to get past him. Yes we got muddy. Also, he has been on a sled.