ALPHARETTA, GA -- Exide Technologies has appointed Douglas Gillespie as vice president of global procurement. Gillespie will assume responsibility for Exide’s approximate $1.6 billion worldwide spending.

The Exide Global Procurement organization will bring together all procurement activities into one centrally-led body while reducing spending, generating greater speed and improving processes and relationships with key supplier partners in the company’s worldwide supply chain.

“Douglas and his team will lead worldwide procurement with a more strategic focus,” said Gordon Ulsh, Exide president and chief executive officer. “We are looking forward to the possibilities this change will bring.”

Gillespie joined Exide Technologies in 2003 as director of procurement operations and in 2005, was named vice president, procurement - Americas.

Prior to Exide, he served as director, strategic sourcing and supplier diversity with Waste Management Inc., and as manager, global sourcing and supply chain with CNH, Inc. Gillespie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Engineering from Southern Illinois University.

For more information about Exide Technologies, go to: http://www.exide.com.