Kaydon Makes More Executive Moves

Kaydon Makes More Executive Moves Kaydon Corp. announced several key management position changes and appointments. The company recently brought in James O'Leary as President, Chairman and CEO -- replacing Brian Campbell, who retired abruptly. Mr. O'Leary had been CFO of Beazer Homes USA and sat on Kaydon's board. Kaydon operates North American bearing plants in Muskegon, Michigan; Sumter, South Carolina; Mocksville, North Carolina; and Monterrey, Mexico. Bearing manufacturing and sales are part of its Friction and Motion Control segment. John Emling has been appointed COO and Senior VP; he was Senior VP of Operations. Mr. Emling joined Kaydon in 1998 as President of the Specialty Bearings Group. Peter Dechants has been named Senior VP of Corporate Development and Strategy. He had been Treasurer and VP of Corporate Development. Mr. DeChants joined Kaydon in that capacity in 2002. David Raguckas has been named VP of Internal Audit; he had been Director of Internal Audit. Mr. Raguckas joined Kaydon in 1999 as Assistant Controller. The moves leave a number of positions open or superseded; Kaydon did not elaborate on that point. Regarding the appointments, Mr. O'Leary said: "These appointments reflect our confidence in the ability of these exceptional professionals to help Kaydon build on its success. Having worked with each of these individuals over the last few years as a member of the Board of Directors, I am confident in their commitment and ability to further enhance shareholder value at Kaydon. I am fortunate to be able to fill these leadership roles with outstanding professionals within our organization."