Great Dane Appoints Eddie Martin as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
Chicago-based private OEM Great Dane announced on July 13 that Eddie Martin will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective August 3. Martin will lead commercial strategy and sales, filling vacancies left by executive changes including the retirement of President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Mullininx at the end of the year.
Chicago-based private original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Great Dane announced on July 13 that it has appointed Eddie Martin as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective August 3. The company confirmed this personnel change in a press release.
Martin's arrival fills a key vacancy in Great Dane's executive ranks. This year, several core executives, including President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Mullininx, are set to retire, with Mullininx planning to step down on December 31.
According to the press release, Martin will lead Great Dane's commercial strategy and sales organization, responsible for driving revenue growth and seeking opportunities to strengthen customer relationships.
Interim CEO Mel Cohen said Martin's strategic experience, commercial expertise, and proven leadership will help the company build on its current momentum. Cohen said in the July 13 announcement, "His outstanding track record of driving growth and building high-performing teams makes him a valuable new addition to our leadership team."
According to the press release, Martin brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the manufacturing and industrial markets. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Sales at promotional products supplier PCNA, where he led sales initiatives and enhanced the company's business performance.
Martin previously served as Chief Commercial Officer at GE Industrial Services, Chief Marketing Officer at GE Appliances, and as President of packaging company WestRock.
Great Dane primarily manufactures dry van trailers, flatbed trailers, and refrigerated truck bodies. In May, the company appointed Mel Cohen, a long-time advisory board member, as interim CEO. In June, the company announced Diana Yan as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding current Executive Vice President and CFO Jim Petrarca, who plans to retire on October 1.
Mullininx's retirement plan was announced last September, and he continues to assist the company with key strategic projects and participate in the search and selection of a permanent CEO. According to the company, the CEO search was still ongoing as of early May.