PHOTO COURTESY OF LINKEDIN
GST AutoLeather, a company specializing in automotive leather components, and its subsidiaries has exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The exit is effective May 22. Leading the transition is new president and CEO Randy Johnson.
GST also announced the addition of two leather industry experts: Bryn Kahrl as vice president of global operations and Scott Landis as chief human resources officer.
“We are committed to being the most competitive, innovative, and sought-after supplier to major OEMs worldwide, leveraging our strong customer service, a renewed focus on lean manufacturing and standardization, and care for our employees as we instill a customer and operationally focused leadership culture,” says Johnson.
Johnson replaces former CEO Dennis Hiller, who will stay with GST as a board advisor to assist in the transition. Before joining GST, he served as the CEO of Romeo RIM Inc., a Michigan-based composites manufacturer, and was vice president of global operations at Eagle Ottawa for 12 years. He left in 2014 before Eagle Ottawa’s sale to Lear Corp.
“GST has exited bankruptcy with a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity, talented leaders globally, and a reputation as a high-quality leather designer and manufacturer,” says Johnson. “GST is among a small group of leather suppliers that can be considered truly global in nature.”
GST is majority owned by funds managed by Black Diamond Capital Management L.L.C.
