Castrol Industrial North America last week said it plans to restructure its business, citing unprecedented increases in raw materials, packaging and freight costs in North America that are affecting many of its business operations. Separately, the company announced the loss of Todd Mitchell, Americas regional president, whose Aug. 19 death was very unexpected and very sudden. The cause was not disclosed.
Mitchell is survived by his wife and three young sons. The company said it will provide support in various ways, including employee contributions to a trust fund established for his sons.
Castrol Industrial, which is part of BP, had named Mitchell president of the industrial fluids and lubricants business for the Americas region effective July 1. Since joining Castrol Industrial in 2001, his roles had included various management positions for the Mexico region, the Castrol LubeCon business, and the divested Castrol Reprocessing Services business.
Dave Fuerst is appointed as Castrol Industrial Americas region president on an interim basis. Over the past four years Fuerst had been a key member of the companys leadership team, serving in various sales director roles, after many years of field and other business experience. The company plans to name Mitchells successor in the coming months.
The recent restructuring started off under Mitchells leadership continues to be implemented, aiming to allow for future growth and create financial space to improve the sustainability of the business. Active cost management has always been important to us and in this environment it is critical, said Fuerst. The changes we are making will streamline the way we operate and make us easier to do business with, ultimately allowing Castrol to better serve our customers and distributors. We will continue to implement what was started under Todd Mitchells leadership.
Were committed to the North American region and recognize that we want to be there for our North American customers as well as many of our global customers, who have a presence in North America, said Laurence Mulliez, CEO industrial lubricants and services globally.
Headquartered in Naperville, Ill., Castrol Industrial North America manufactures and distributes lubricants and metalworking fluids for industrial applications.