BendPak Inc. will make several changes to its executive team, effective Aug. 3, 2022. President Don Henthorn, who has led the company since establishing it in 1965, will take on a more limited role in its daily operations as chairman emeritus.
Jeff Kritzer will be promoted from executive vice president to succeed Henthorn as president and CEO. At the same time, Rudy Diaz will step up from vice president of information technology to executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Jim Fornear moves from financial controller to chief financial officer.
Lastly, Javier Arias continues in the role of vice president of operations.
Henthorn will be active in an advisory capacity to ensure a seamless transition of leadership.
“Since 1965, Don’s leadership, mentoring style, and embodiment of our company values and traditions have helped establish our winning culture,” says Kritzer.
“We look forward to his ongoing guidance and direction during this transitional period. We have some very big shoes to fill, but through his mentorship and shaping of our company’s work ethic and culture, we believe our market dominance will continue.”
Kritzer has held many roles over the 40 years he has worked at BendPak, including national sales manager, president of sales and senior vice president of marketing.
“Jeff has been a driving force in the success of our company in the 40 years since he joined our organization,” says Henthorn.
“I am confident that with Jeff and the rest of the executive team in place, BendPak is well-positioned to continue delivering on our brand promise to better serve our customers around the world.”
Rudy Diaz joined BendPak as vice president of information technology in June 2011. As executive vice president and COO his role includes responsibilities across various departments, including human resources, operations and office administration.
Jim Fornear has served as financial controller since joining BendPak in November 2019. As CFO, he will be instrumental in managing the company’s budgeting and forecasting processes, financial strategies, profitability, and risk management.
