STOCKHOLM – Jay Longbottom has decided to step down from his position as CEO of Haldex AB, the company has announced. Ulf Ahlén, former executive vice president of Haldex Traction, will replace him as acting CEO, beginning Dec. 1.
Haldex stated the reason for Longbottom’s decision to step down as CEO stems from the challenges of residing in the U.S. while at the same time heading a publicly listed Swedish company. Based in Kansas City, Longbottom will remain in the role of president of the North American operations and assume the role as executive vice president for the Haldex Air Control division, representing 40 percent of the group’s sales.
Prior to heading Haldex, Longbottom served as head of Haldex Commercial Vehicle System Division, successfully transforming the division into a truly global player with exposure to fast growing markets like China and Brazil, the company says.
“We respect Jay´s decision to step down as CEO of Haldex,” said Göran Carlson, chairman of the board of Haldex AB. “Jay is a well-liked manager who has greatly added to the company’s development. We are pleased that Jay will be able to focus more on the North American market and take on the role as head of the important Air Control Division. At the same time we have secured a smooth transition with Ulf Ahlén as acting CEO, who, with his Haldex Group background will add valuable experience and competence."
"My commitment to Haldex will not in any way change. From a personal point of view this is the best solution for all parties since it has shown to be very difficult to combine living in the U.S. and leading a global company with its headquarters in Sweden,” said Longbottom.
Ahlén will take over as acting CEO on Dec. 1 and will be based out of Landskrona, Sweden. Longbottom will stay on as CEO until Ahlén assumes the role. In addition, Haldex says the search for a permanent CEO has been initiated.
