Nonwovens producer Polymer Group, Inc. has formed a new leadership structure that establishes key corporate functions, including operations and research and development, on a worldwide basis, and will facilitate the company’s global growth. The company has named two veteran executives to the newly created global positions of chief operating officer (COO) and vice president of research and development. Under the leadership of chief executive officer Veronica Hagen, who was appointed in April 2007, the new structure positions PGI for its next stage of growth.
   
“This new structure takes a more global view of our business and brings our strong regional business units closer together to drive cost efficiency, share best practices, and optimize global customer and supplier strategies,” said Ms. Hagen. “It will organize PGI for future strong growth, foster greater innovation and manufacturing excellence, and give us an advantage over regional competitors as we continue our pursuit of industry leadership.”
  
Mike Hale, who has been with the company for 35 years, has been named COO and will manage operations for all of PGI’s regional businesses in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, Canada and Asia. He most recently was vice president and general manager for U.S. and Europe.
   
Bob Dale, with PGI for 16 years, has been tapped as vice president of research and development and will lead the company’s R&D activities and customer-focused innovation strategies taking place around the world. He previously was vice president of sales and marketing for U.S. Nonwovens.
   
The company also established a new position of vice president of global marketing, with responsibility for global coordination of the company’s marketing initiatives. PGI is actively in the process of filling this executive leadership role.
   
Additionally, PGI named company veteran Fernando Espinosa to the position of senior vice president and general manager, Europe reporting to the COO. In this role, Mr. Espinosa will bring over 30 years of industry experience in PGI’s fastest growing region of Latin America to the European region with a focus on market leadership and growth.