People making headlines

  • Grohe President Bob Atkins has retired from his position. Jeffrey P. Noll, who most recently served as Grohe general manager and vice president/sales, has been named his replacement. Also, David Haines is the new chairman of the board and CEO of Grohe Water Technology, effective Sept. 1, 2004.

  • The Flowserve Corp. announced that Thomas Pajonas will join the company as president of the Flow Control Division. He succeeds George Shedlarski, who retired April 30. Previously, Pajonas was senior vice president of the Worldwide Power Segment Business for Alstom, a global $1.2 billion business.

  • Stride Tool announced Ron Ortiz as its new CEO. He replaces founder Lori Northrup, who will continue as chairman of the board.

  • Hercules Chemical Co. announced the promotion of Gail S. Leicht to the position of brand manager. In addition to her current duties in communications, she will be responsible for helping grow the Hercules product line, as well as marketing and promoting the line to Oatey SCS field reps and customers.

  • Brass Craft appointed Larry Griffin as channel manager, wholesale. He previously served as director of sales-Kmart for Huggy Service First, a national retail service organization. In addition to his wholesale segment duties, Griffin will be responsible for the Ace, Do It Best and TruServ retail co-op accounts.