Milwaukee-based Jason Industries Inc. has named Jeffry Quinn chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Jason Industries manufactures seating, finishing, components and automotive acoustics. It has more than 4,400 employees in 14 countries. Its Milwaukee subsidiary is Milsco Manufacturing Co., which makes seats for the motorcycle, marine, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, turf care, power sports, industrial lift and mobility markets.
Quinn, who had been serving as interim CEO since Nov. 9, was elected by the company’s board of directors, on which he continues to serve as chairman. He replaces David Westgate, who resigned from his position as CEO and a member of the board.
Before joining Jason, Quinn served as chief executive officer and chairman of St. Louis-based specialty chemicals and performance materials firm Solutia Inc., which he led through a Chapter 11 reorganization and sale in 2012. After the sale, Quinn founded investment and operating company Quinpario Partners LLC, a subsidiary of which acquired Jason Industries in 2014.
“Quinn has worked aggressively to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by our businesses, and has proven executive experience in creating long-term value for investors. His high-caliber leadership, significant personal investment and commitment to Jason’s success make him the ideal candidate to lead the company,” said Mitchell Quain, lead director of Jason.
“Since assuming the role of interim CEO in November, I have immersed myself in the business, visited many of our facilities around the world and met with the leadership team,” Quinn said. “These first few weeks have once again convinced me of Jason’s potential and I am pleased to accept the opportunity to become the CEO. There are many things within our control that we can, and will do, to improve our business. Some actions we must do with a sense of urgency to reduce our cost structure, improve efficiency and unlock value for my fellow shareholders. Jason had a history of delivering exceptional value to its customers and operating strong market-leading businesses, and I am confident together we will further build upon that legacy.”
