Curt G. Joa, Inc., a global, custom-engineering design and machine-building company, announced Richard “Rick” Michaletz as company president effective September 4, 2018.

Prior to joining the company, Michaletz spent over 20 years with the Bemis Company in Oshkosh, WI, where he held a variety of leadership positions, most recently as the senior vice president, Commercial for Bemis North America. Prior to that role, Michaletz served as president of Bemis Europe while residing in Brussels, Belgium, for over three years.

Michaletz, who is native to the area, earned his Industrial Engineering degree from the University Wisconsin-Madison and his Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Rochester. 

“My father was a skilled tradesman from Germany who built his family business in the Sheboygan Falls area on solid customer loyalty, and I knew Curt G. Joa, Inc. had the same focus on customers,” he says. “However, I was attracted to the leadership role by the well-founded strategy and focus on growth for customers and employees.”

This announcement is part of the company’s intended succession plan for the president role. Current president Gene Kiela II will remain active in the business to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

“Rick joins our company with the full support of the board of directors, leadership team and Joa family. He has the same focus on customer success as started by my grandfather, Curt Joa, who founded this company 86 years ago and thus initiated that culture in our Company,” Kiela said. “Throughout the search process for my successor, we knew we had the time and family support to get it right. We are delighted that Rick is joining Curt G. Joa, Inc., and we are confident he will lead the company’s success and build upon the strong relationships with our customers, employees, suppliers and family.”