WILMERDING, Pa., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wabtec Corporation
(NYSE: WAB) today announced two executive appointments designed to strengthen
the company's management team and position Wabtec for future growth and
strategic expansion.
Raymond T. Betler has joined the company as a vice president and group
executive, and a corporate officer, with responsibility for the company's
transit business units. Betler, 52, has 30 years of experience in the
transportation industry, most recently as the president of Total Transit
Systems for Bombardier Transportation.
In addition, Charles F. Kovac, will assume responsibility for Wabtec's
freight business units, as a vice president and group executive, and a
corporate officer. Kovac, 52, joined Wabtec as a group executive in 2007 and
has helped to lead the integration of Ricon and the acquisition of POLI for
the Transit Group.
'These appointments are important steps in the future growth and strategic
expansion of Wabtec, as we continue to strengthen our management team,' said
Albert J. Neupaver, Wabtec's president and chief executive officer. 'Ray and
Chuck have successful executive track records, including significant
international experience, strong leadership skills and strategic know-how that
will benefit Wabtec in the years ahead.'
A Pittsburgh native, Betler has degrees in electrical engineering,
administration/management science and economics from Carnegie Mellon
University. He joined the Westinghouse Transportation Division as a design
engineer in 1979 and was named president of the unit, which became part of
Bombardier Transportation, in 1994. In that position, he led a team that
launched the London Underground concession project in 2003. Betler and his
wife have three sons, one grandson and live in South Park, Pa.
Kovac, a native of Dayton, Ohio, has a degree in mechanical engineering
from Colorado State University. Prior to joining Wabtec, he spent four years
with AMETEK as vice president and general manager of its Global Household and
Specialty Motors Division. Previously, he was with Woodward Governor for 12
years, most recently as vice president and general manager of its Industrial
Controls Group. He and his wife have three daughters and a son, and live in
Allison Park, Pa.
Wabtec Corporation is a global provider of value-added, technology-based
products and services for the rail and transit industry. Through its
subsidiaries, the company manufactures a range of products for locomotives,
freight cars and passenger transit vehicles. The company also builds new
switcher and commuter locomotives, and provides aftermarket services. The
company has facilities located throughout the world.
SOURCE Wabtec Corporation
