LAUREN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Treasurer
- Controller for Lauren International and Was Appointed Chief Financial Officer
Anne Baker joined Lauren International in early 2019 as controller for Lauren International and was appointed chief financial officer/treasurer of Lauren International in 2020
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Chairman of the Board Emeritus
As the company's founder, Foland is a recognized leader within the rubber industry and is actively involved with local organizations, contributing both time and resources. He is a strong believer in community involvement and leads in this initiative through personal involvement.
Dale L. Foland started the Lauren Manufacturing Company in 1965 in his garage with less than a $7,000 investment. He served as Chairman of the Board Emeritus for Lauren International, the global parent for Lauren Manufacturing, Lauren AgriSystems, Lauren Innovations, Nurtured Pets, LMI Custom Mixing, StoneKap, and Flite Test, until his passing on January 17, 2016.
Dale worked tirelessly on his vision for Lauren. He pioneered continuous sponge extrusion techniques, developed many of the systems still used at Lauren today, and continuously learned about every facet of the Lauren International businesses. He encouraged employee development, hired people who were strong in the areas he was weak, and made the workplace a fun and welcoming environment.
Over the years, Dale supported many local community organizations. He was instrumental in developing Starlight School, the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts, and the new technology wing for Kent State University Tuscarawas campus, and he was an active member of the Community Improvement Corporation of Tuscarawas County and the local Chamber of Commerce.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President - Business Development
Jason Johnson has led a life characterized by his unwavering passion for solving problems, astute entrepreneurial spirit, and his dedication to the growth of young companies
Job Titles:
- General Manager
- Member of the Leadership Team
- General Manager of LMI Custom Mixing
- General Manager, LMI Custom Mixing, LLC
Jim Nixon was appointed general manager of LMI Custom Mixing, LLC in 2001. A part of Lauren International since 1999, Nixon was also the R&D chemist at Lauren Manufacturing until 2001.
As general manager, Nixon designed and implemented LMI's newest mixing line, in a $5.5 million expansion project which effectively doubled the capacity of the plant. The new line's technical features and the additional capacity allowed LMI to continue to support and assist the JV business strategies of Lauren International and Meteor Gummiwerke. The growth has also led to new positions and associates at Lauren International.
Kevin E. Gray - CEO, Chairman, President
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
- President
- Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of Lauren International, Ltd
Kevin E. Gray has served as chief executive officer (CEO) of Lauren International, Ltd. since June 2005. Under his leadership, Lauren International, has clearly emerged as a leader in polymer products and technology in the rubber industry.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Quanex
Mike Hovan, named chief operating officer of Lauren International in March 2016, is responsible for promoting development and driving growth within the Lauren International subsidiaries.
Mike Hovan joined Lauren Manufacturing in 1993 as Mixing Plant Manager and quickly assumed greater levels of responsibility. Over the following two decades, Hovan served as President of Lauren Manufacturing, President of Edgetech, and Vice President of Lauren International. He also served as a Board Member of Lauren International.
Following the sale of Edgetech to Quanex in 2011, Hovan became Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Quanex and focused on building a consolidated sales and marketing team. In 2014, he was promoted to President/General Manager of Mikron Industries, Inc. - Quanex's largest business division.
In 2016, Hovan returned to the Lauren International family as its COO. He is recognized for his exceptional leadership skills and his commitment to give back to the community.
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