Former Terex CEO DeFeo Moves on to Kennametal

February 17, 2016 - Ron DeFeo, former chairman of the board and CEO of Terex Corp., has been appointed president and CEO of Kennametal Inc. He replaces Donald Nolan, who left the company in November. Defeo has served on the Kennametal board since 2001.

 

"We have determined a change in leadership is necessary and are pleased that Ron will step into this role," said Lawrence Stranghoener, Kennametal’s chairman of the board. "Ron is a highly experienced CEO who will bring much wisdom, experience and passion for Kennametal. He will sharpen our focus, prioritize our results, and motivate, engage, and empower our people to produce the financial results that are expected of an industry leader like Kennametal. We appreciate Don Nolan's service. He was a necessary change agent through a period of significant turmoil and uncertainty."

 

"As a 14-year member of the Kennametal board, I know what the company and its people are capable of achieving," DeFeo said. "I'm excited about the potential embedded in Kennametal and with over 20 years of CEO experience, I am excited to get to work on behalf of Kennametal's employees, customers, and shareholders. I am confident in what we can accomplish together."

Before joining Terex, DeFeo was a senior vice president of J.I. Case Company, the former Tenneco farm and construction equipment division, and he also served as a managing director of Case Construction Equipment throughout Europe.

 

DeFeo began his career in 1974 at Procter & Gamble in marketing and brand management where he advanced through the corporation in his 10-year tenure there.