Horizon Global Corp. has appointed Barry Steele as its chief financial officer, effective Feb. 18.
Steele will have responsibility for the company’s global finance function, including financial reporting, tax, treasury, and financial planning and analysis. He will be joining Horizon Global from his role as CFO for Gentherm Incorporated, a global developer and marketer of thermal management technologies for a broad range of heating, cooling and temperature control applications for the automotive and medical markets.
“After a comprehensive search conducted with the support of the company’s board of directors, we are pleased that Barry Steele is joining Horizon Global as its chief financial officer,” said Carl Bizon, Horizon Global’s president and CEO. “Barry is a seasoned financial executive, with well-rounded and relevant experience helping lead companies in the automotive industry.
“As a proven leader, Barry’s ability to execute, his focus on financial leadership, and ability to drive operational excellence are expected to have an immediate impact on our business. I look forward to working closely with him and the rest of our global leaders to drive operational and financial performance improvement in the Americas and Europe-Africa to deliver shareholder value.”
Steele also previously served as CFO of Advanced Accessory Systems LLC.
Brian Whittman, a managing director of Alvarez & Marsal North America, has been serving as interim CFO for Horizon Global since Nov. 9. Whittman will continue in that capacity until Steele joins the company. Whittman will then hold the title of vice president of Finance for Horizon Global.
“The addition of Barry Steele to our management team is another important step forward in advancing the company’s progress towards driving operational improvements and improving our overall financial performance,” Bizon said. “We have the right team and the right brands serving our customers across multiple channels of distribution. With a strong focus on execution, we intend to drive the profitability of this business and deliver value for our shareholders.”