– USA, SC – KEMET Corporation (NYSE:KEM), a leading global supplier of passive electronic components, today announced that William M. Lowe, Jr., who has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 2008, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Mr. Lowe succeeds Per-Olof Loof, who, in agreement with the Board, has resigned as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board. Mr. Loof’s departure follows an investigation overseen by certain independent members of the KEMET Board, with the assistance of an external law firm, of the facts and circumstances surrounding a consensual personal relationship between Mr. Loof and an employee of the Company and related actions which were inconsistent with the Company’s policies.
“KEMET is committed to ensuring that the Company’s policies are upheld by all KEMET employees,” said Frank G. Brandenberg, Chairman of the Board. “The Board recognizes Mr. Loof’s contributions to the Company’s financial performance, as well as the establishment of an outstanding leadership team now to be led by Bill.”
Mr. Brandenberg continued, “Bill Lowe is a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of KEMET’s business and strategy, and a proven commitment to our investors, customers and employees. In addition to his extensive financial experience as CFO, Bill has meaningful operating expertise from his time as COO of Unifi. During his 10-year tenure as CFO at KEMET, the Company substantially improved both its operating results and balance sheet and delivered significant value to shareholders, including, most recently, through the initiation of a dividend program. Bill played a significant role in building KEMET into the successful company it is today and the Board is confident in his ability to lead the Company into its next phase of growth.”
On December 3, 2018, KEMET announced that Gregory Thompson will succeed Mr. Lowe as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective May 31, 2019. In connection with today’s announcement, the Company announced that Mr. Thompson has assumed the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Thompson is an experienced public company CFO with deep global experience across several industries including electronics, chemicals, building products, medical equipment, manufacturing, technology software and services. As CEO, Mr. Lowe will work closely with Mr. Thompson to ensure a seamless transition.
About William M. Lowe, Jr.
Mr. Lowe has served as KEMET’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2008, with responsibility for leading all aspects of KEMET’s financial activities, including accounting, reporting, internal controls, treasury, tax and investor relations. During his career with the Company, Mr. Lowe has overseen the Company’s cost savings efforts, working capital and cash management, and was an integral part of the successful conclusion of the TOKIN acquisition last calendar year. Just recently Mr. Lowe lead the successful refinancing of the Company’s debt with financing through a bank group in Japan.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lowe was the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and CFO of Unifi, Inc., a producer and processor of textured synthetic yarns. Prior to holding that position, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Metaldyne, an automotive components manufacturer. He also held various financial management positions with ArvinMeritor, Inc., a premier global supplier of integrated automotive components. Mr. Lowe previously served as a former board member of Holley Performance Products, Inc.
Mr. Lowe received his B.S. degree in business administration with a major in accounting from Tri-State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Mr. Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of KEMET, said, “I am honored to serve as KEMET’s CEO during this important time in the Company’s history. As we enter the Company’s centennial year, we are well positioned to build on our track record of growth. I am confident that KEMET’s proven strategy, strong balance sheet and substantial free cash flow will enable us to capitalize on the many opportunities that lie ahead. In my new role as CEO, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Board and management team to position KEMET for the next 100 years of excellence and deliver value for our stakeholders.”Mr. Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of KEMET, said, “I am honored to serve as KEMET’s CEO during this important time in the Company’s history. As we enter the Company’s centennial year, we are well positioned to build on our track record of growth. I am confident that KEMET’s proven strategy, strong balance sheet and substantial free cash flow will enable us to capitalize on the many opportunities that lie ahead. In my new role as CEO, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Board and management team to position KEMET for the next 100 years of excellence and deliver value for our stakeholders.”
About Gregory Thompson
Mr. Thompson is an experienced public company CFO with deep global experience across several industries including electronics, chemicals, building products, medical equipment, manufacturing, technology software and services. He has 25 years of experience engaging to enhance shareholder value through strategy development, acquisition and divestiture initiatives, capital structure optimization and operational improvements while maintaining a focus on pragmatic risk management, prudent financial controls and fiscal discipline. From January 2008 to October 2016 Mr. Thompson served as EVP and CFO of Axiall Corporation, a $5 billion chemical manufacturer. Mr. Thompson has also served as SVP and CFO of Invacare Corporation, a $1.6 billion global leader in the manufacture and distribution of home and long-term care medical products, and SVP, CFO and Controller of Sensormatic Electronics Corporation, a $1.1 billion global manufacturer of electronic security products for retail loss prevention. Mr. Thompson received his B.S. in Accounting from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
About KEMET
The Company’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol (NYSE: KEM). KEMET offers our customers the broadest selection of capacitor technologies in the industry, along with an expanding range of electromechanical devices, electromagnetic compatibility solutions and supercapacitors. Our vision is to be the preferred supplier of electronic component solutions demanding the highest standards of quality, delivery and service.
For more information : https://www.kemet.com
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