Holleran Becomes President of E-Z-GO; Strong leadership bench strength results in internal promotions
Providence, MA – November 12, 2007 – Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) today announced that John L. Garrison, Jr. has been promoted to president of its Industrial Segment, effective immediately. In this critical role, Garrison will lead the Textron businesses that manufacture and market branded industrial products worldwide, including E-Z-GO, Jacobsen, Greenlee, Kautex and Textron’s Fluid & Power Group. He previously served as president of E-Z-GO, the world’s leading manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles. In turn, E-Z-GO Vice President of Sales and Marketing Kevin Holleran has been promoted to president of the business unit.
"These promotions underscore the depth of our management bench strength and will ensure continuity of leadership during a very important time in E-Z-GO’s history," said Textron Chairman, President and CEO Lewis B. Campbell. "Having just introduced its newest, revolutionary golf car, the RXV, E-Z-GO is poised for accelerated growth and these two leaders will remain at the helm," Campbell continued.
Garrison succeeds Barclay Olson, who is retiring from the company at the end of 2008 after 30 years of service. "Over a career spanning three decades in various capacities at Greenlee and Textron, Barclay has contributed mightily to the success of our company. He has approached his commitment with outstanding aptitude, enthusiasm and integrity. On behalf of Textron and our stakeholders, I thank him for his contributions to our company and wish him the very best in his retirement," Campbell said.
Since joining the company in 2002, Garrison has been president of E-Z-GO. Prior to joining Textron, Garrison held senior management roles with Azurix Corporation and Case Corporation.
He earned a master’s in business administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering from the UnitedState Military Academy.
Holleran joined Textron in 2003 as vice president sales and marketing. Previously, he served in senior sales and product management roles with Ingersoll Rand and Terex Corporation. He earned his master’s in business administration from Wake Forest University and a bachelor’s of science degree from Cornell University.
"Both John and Kevin are seasoned professionals and proven executives who have been highly successful in each of their positions at Textron," said Campbell. "These promotions underscore Textron’s focus on developing high-potential talent by offering a diverse career experience, rich with opportunity for continued career development. We truly believe Textron’s future is directly linked to our ability to harness and enhance the power and talent of our workforce, and John and Kevin have embraced these opportunities to become valued and trusted leaders within Textron."
Reporting directly to Garrison will be Holleran; Daniel F. Wilkinson, president of Jacobsen, J. Scott Hall, president of Greenlee; Lothar R. Rosenkranz, president and CEO of Kautex; and William M. Ellis, president of Textron’s Fluid & Power group.
Olson retires from Textron having served his entire career at Greenlee and Textron, progressing through each organization in myriad roles of increasing responsibility. In the executive arena, Olson served as Greenlee’s vice president of operations and president of the company, then was promoted to president of Textron’s tools and components group, and promoted again to president of the industrial segment.
About E-Z-GO
E-Z-GO, a Textron Inc. company, is a leading manufacturer of golf cars and utility vehicles. E-Z-GO is the preferred golf car fleet provider for seven of the top 10 of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses as ranked by Golf Digest. E-Z-GO is also the golf car of choice of nine of the nation’s 10 largest course-management companies. E-Z-GO boasts the largest sales and service network in the industry, with more factory branch locations and independent distributors than any other manufacturer.
More than a maker of golf cars, E-Z-GO is also a leading provider of industrial, turf and utility vehicles for a variety of applications and industries. Products under the E-Z-GO flagship include the Shuttle Personnel Carrier, ST Trail Utility vehicles, and the Clays Car, the world’s first vehicle designed specifically for the sporting clays shooter. E-Z-GO also produces the Cushman line of heavy duty burden carriers.
Founded in 1954 in Augusta Ga., E-Z-GO became part of Textron Inc. in 1960.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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Kathleen C. Searle
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