MILTON, Ga. – Exide Technologies has announced the appointment of Paul Hirt as president of its Americas Region, effective Nov. 18. Exide’s Americas Region offers products and services for the transportation market aimed at meeting all starting and deep-cycle needs.
Since 2007, Hirt has been president and CEO of Sigma Electric Manufacturing Co. In his new role, Hirt will report to Jim Bolch, Exide president and CEO, and will be a member of the Exide Executive Leadership Team.
Prior to being named president and CEO of Sigma Electric Manufacturing Co., Hirt spent 25 years with General Electric Co., serving in multiple leadership roles, including sales and marketing, six sigma and general management.
"Paul brings 30 years of experience as a results-oriented leader who achieved double digit operating margin growth in a tough business environment through revenue growth and total cost productivity," said Bolch. "His intense customer focus and commercial skills combined with a six-sigma/lean orientation will be an outstanding addition to our company as we drive profitability."
Hirt replaces Bruce Cole, who was named Exide’s executive vice president, strategy and business development. Cole’s new appointment also is effective Nov. 18.
Since January, Cole has been president, Exide Americas Region. In his new role, he also will report to Bolch and will continue to be a member of the Exide Executive Leadership Team.
"Bruce’s extensive company experience and tenure, proven operational skills and demonstrated leadership have prepared him well for this new challenge," Bolch said. "Given his vast Exide experience, I am confident that he is the right person to lead our global product strategy, major customer new business development, strategic planning and competitive intelligence activities."
Prior to being named president, Exide Americas, Cole spent 22 years with Exide in multiple leadership roles, including vice president and general manager, Americas recycling operations; vice president, marketing, Global Industrial Energy; and vice president, manufacturing and engineering for the Industrial Energy Americas division.
