Phoenix Contact USA installed a new management structure and leadership team on Sept. 1. This board-based leadership change supports the successful maturation of the U.S. company as a “group center of competence,” and aligns with the “business area (BA) structure” that Phoenix Contact implemented in 2016. The structure also provides a seamless transition ahead of the retirement of Jack Nehlig, president of Phoenix Contact USA, who is retiring on Dec. 31, after 23 years with the company.
The main appointments in the new structure include:
- Heath Scoggin was promoted to president of the BA Device Connectors division, and will lead Phoenix Contact’s development and manufacturing legal entity, as well as process management and quality.
- Kevin Zak was promoted to president of the BA Industrial Components and Electronics division, and will lead Phoenix Contact’s U.S. sales subsidiary legal entity, as well as logistics, government relations, and environment, sustainability and governance (ESG).
- Davis Mathews was promoted to president of the BA Industry Management and Automation division, and will lead Phoenix Contact’s holdings legal entity, as well as human relations, digitalization, IT, purchasing and facilities.
- Kyle Bordner was promoted to VP of finance and risk management. He replaced David Russo, who retired in May.
Scoggin, Zak, Mathews and Bordner were also named members of Phoenix Contact USA’s executive board and management board. The management board will also include Marian Roldan, SVP of human relations, and Doug Ferguson, SVP of the company’s Americas Operations Services.
“The new USA Management Board is grateful for Jack Nehlig’s leadership, mentorship, and friendship, and we know we have large shoes to fill,” said Zak. “This board has almost 150 years of combined Phoenix Contact experience, and we’re excited to help ensure a smooth leadership transition, foster alignment with our corporate management team, and enhance the our market influence in future product and solution development. Through our technologies and solutions for electrification, networking, and automation, Phoenix Contact is uniquely capable of enabling our customers and partners along their journey towards a sustainable future and tackling the inherent challenges of climate change and energy transformation.”
Roldan added, “In surveys, our employees always cite the culture as one of the top reasons that Phoenix Contact is a great place to work. This culture can be largely attributed to Jack and his presence. Jack has always led by example, bringing a friendly, open communication style, and acknowledging the contributions made by every employe. We will miss his leadership and guidance, along with his personality and his warmth. But he has mentored the USA Management Board well; we’ve all been a part of his executive team for many years. As Jack would say, we’ve worked together beside him, not for him, and we’ll continue to lead in the same way as we move forward.”
