NEW YORK — The Cypress Group, the New York-based private equity firm that recently acquired Dana’s Automotive Aftermarket Group (now called Affinia) and Cooper-Standard Automotive, has named Ronald Rittenmeyer a managing director.
Rittenmeyer most recently was chairman, president and CEO of Safety-Kleen. In his new role at Cypress, Rittenmeyer will coordinate and oversee Cypress’ portfolio monitoring responsibilities, focusing on maximizing the operating results and potential of Cypress’ portfolio companies. He will also lead an investment team focused on industrial opportunities.
During his 30-year business career, Rittenmeyer has gained wide and varied operating experience. Starting his career at Pepsico’s Frito-Lay Division, he served in a number of roles beginning as a shipping manager and rising to plant manager before becoming vice president sales operations and vice president market planning and development. Rittenmeyer also spent several years with Pepsico Foods International, where he served as vice president of the Middle East and Worldwide Operations returning to Frito-Lay as vice president of operations responsible for manufacturing, logistics and sales operations.
After twenty years at Pepsico, Rittenmeyer became COO of Burlington Northern Railroad where he was responsible for the company’s sales, marketing and operating units. In February of 2000, Rittenmeyer became CEO and president of AmeriServe, a $10 billion food service distributor following its filing of Chapter 11. In 2001, he was named the chairman, president and CEO of Safety-Kleen, which was operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since 2000. During his three-year tenure, Rittenmeyer successfully sold the Chemical Services Division, settled several major legal actions and reorganized the company emerging successfully in December 2003.
Rittenmeyer has been a board member of Merisel, Ryder TRS, RailTex, AmeriServe, Safety-Kleen, and Sterling Chemicals. He currently serves as a Trustee of Wilkes University and is a member of the board of directors of the North Texas Kidney Association.
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