Meet the New Team Members of W&H North America
We're delighted to introduce you to our new employees in the accounting, extrusion, parts and service departments.
Craig Harris, Corporate Controller
Craig Harris joined W&H in October as Corporate Controller succeeding Wally Kaehler, who will be retiring in the spring. During the past 15 years at Talentburst, a worksforce management solution provider, Craig climbed the ranks from from staff accountant to Accounting Manager then controller and finally VP of Finance. He was heavily involved in the company’s international growth from $20 million - $250 million in turnover in just 15 years. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Bridgewater State University.
Genesis Pulgar, Accounting Assistant and Receptionist
Genesis Pulgar started out with W&H in April and has since been hired full-time as an Accounting Assistant/receptionist. This is Gen's first position after graduating from Rhode Island College with a B.S. in Accounting. While in college, she did an internship at Citizen's Bank as a part of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. She will report to Craig Harris.
Ilya Simakov, Field Service Technician - Presses
lya Simakov moved to Rhode Island in November to join our field service technician team. For the past four and a half years, Ilya has worked for W&H Russia servicing printing presses in in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Prior to joining W&H he worked at a laser machinery company responsible for AutoCAD drafting and overseeing production. He holds a B.S. in Technological Machinery & Equipment from Bauman Moscow State Technical University. Ilya is a basketball enthusiast and played American football (OG and OT) in the amateur Russian league. He is very happy and thankful to be here.
Junaid Ahmed, Service Support Manager
Junaid Ahmed had been with W&H India for almost 9 years before transferring to Rhode Island in August. He has held several service roles including field technician, IDC specialist, and service manager. In his new position as Service Support Manager, Junaid will work closely with the Regional Service Managers and monitor and analyze installation and commissioning milestones to improve service. Junaid holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA.
Katrina Josephson, Parts Specialist
Katrina Josephson joined W&H in June 2022 as a Parts Specialist. Her past experience includes working as a finance analysis with the U.S. Navy, market researcher at Lopez Mora Business Design, and in translation/localization project management at Schneider Electric. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island. Katrina enjoys foreign languages and speaks German and French. She plays bass guitar as a hobby.
Leon Rupe, Regional Manager Technical Sales - Extrusion
Leon Rupe – In November, Leon Rupe, moved to Rhode Island to join the North American extrusion team as Regional Manager of Technical Sales. Leon started his career with W&H in Lengerich in 2021 and over the next three years, he will support the North American extrusion team and learn about the market before returning to Lengerich. Leon earned both his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Fachhochschule Südwestfalen and an MBA from the Fachhochschule Münster while working full-time!