NN Appoints New CFO, Realigns Executive Ranks

NN Inc. (USA) announced one new appointment and a realignment of its executive staff, reflecting its changing world market presence. James Dorton joins the company as Chief Financial Officer and VP of Corporate Development. Mr. Dorton comes to NN from Specialty Foods Group, where he was Executive VP and CFO for a short time until a management reshuffling in mid-2004. Mr. Dorton fills the CFO position left vacant since January when David Dyckman left NN to become CFO of Theradyne Holdings. Roderick "Rock" Baty, NN's Chairman and CEO, said, "We are very pleased to have Jim join NN's senior management team. His extensive public company background includes experience in finance, treasury, M&A, strategic development and operations. Jim brings to us over 24 years of proven success in various roles in M&A and strategic development. We look forward to him providing a leadership role in further defining, developing and executing our strategic plan." If eBearing's mailbox is any indicator, Mr. Dorton's M&A background is sparking discussion about NN's growth plans. Before Specialty Food Group, Mr. Dorton was with Bowater, as it grew from a distant third to first in newsprint, coated and uncoated papers. He was responsible for an innovative Korean acquisition, and another in Canada which solidified the company's leading position in forest products. Three other executives also shifted responsibilities. Nicola Trombetti and Thomas McKown were named Executive Officers and Corporate VPs. Mr. Trombetti joined NN Europe in 2000 as Plant Manager for the Company's Pinerolo Italy facility, later to Operations VP of NN Europe and then Managing Director of NN Europe. Mr. McKown joined NN in 2004 for the newly-created position of Managing Director, NN Asia. Mr. Baty commented, "I am pleased to announce the appointment of both Nicola Trombetti and Tom McKown as Corporate Vice Presidents and Executive Officers of NN, Inc. Both Nicola and Tom have provided significant leadership in our efforts to further expand NN's global manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to their ongoing contributions as we continue our growth initiatives in Europe and Asia." Finally, NN promoted William Kelly from Chief Administrative Officer to Corporate VP. Will joined NN in 1993 and has held several senior financial management positions before being named CAO in 2004. About Mr. Kelly, Rock Baty said, "Since joining NN in 1993, Will Kelly has held increasingly responsible positions at the corporate level. His naming as a Corporate VP and CAO acknowledges the important future role he will play in corporate compliance, risk management, investor relations and treasury responsibilities." NN is a key supplier of balls, rollers, retainers and seals to the bearing industry worldwide.