Horizon Global Corp., a global manufacturer of branded towing and trailering equipment, announced that Denise Ilitch has been appointed co-chair of the company’s board of directors. A member of Horizon Global’s Board since June 2015, Ilitch assumes the co-chair role from Sam Valenti, who served as co-chair of the board since June 2015 and will continue to serve as a member of the board. A. Mark Zeffiro, president and CEO of Horizon Global, remains co-chair of the board.
“This transition demonstrates Horizon Global’s commitment to succession planning and having high-caliber, capable individuals in leadership positions. Denise has been an integral member of the board since her appointment in June 2015. Her extensive leadership experience along with her legal background have been an enormous asset as we navigated our first year as a public company. I look forward to continuing to work with Denise as the company focuses on executing its three key priorities of expanding operating margins, improving our capital structure and growing organically,” said Zeffiro.
“On behalf of the Horizon Global board, I would like to thank Sam for his many contributions as co-chair. During his tenure, the company achieved many milestones, including its successful transition to a public company with a new capital structure and a new shareholder base. Sam will remain on the board and the company will continue to benefit from his insight and experience,” said Zeffiro.
“I am grateful for Sam’s leadership and commitment over the past year. I am honored to follow in his footsteps and recognize the responsibility I have to our employees, our shareholders and our board. I believe in the mission, vision and values of Horizon Global and I am excited to continue working with our executive management team, Mark, Sam and the rest of the board,” said Ilitch.
Ilitch has been a business leader in the Detroit community for more than 30 years. She is president of Ilitch Enterprises LLC and co-owner of 220 Restaurant Hospitality. She previously served as president of Ilitch Holdings Inc., a privately held business that manages such entities as Little Caesar Enterprises, the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers and Olympia Entertainment. Ilitch also serves as a regent on the University of Michigan Board of Regents, a member of the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard Kennedy School and a trustee for the Skillman Foundation. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law.
