#United States #St. Paul #Vomela #Riverside Company #Brian Hazelton

Vomela's New Leadership: Brian Hazelton Steps in as CEO

In a strategic move, Vomela, renowned for its expertise in visual communications and branded environments, has announced the appointment of Brian Hazelton as its new Chief Executive Officer. This change in leadership follows a notable year of growth, significantly backed by investment from The Riverside Company. The transition is set to steer the company into its next chapter of innovation and growth.

Background of the New CEO

Brian Hazelton brings a wealth of experience to Vomela, having held various senior leadership roles across several reputable companies including Standard Iron Wire Works and Winnebago Industries. His extensive background in manufacturing and technology industries, coupled with a strong customer-focused approach, positions him well to lead Vomela forward. The company anticipates Hazelton's leadership will not only maintain but enhance its reputation built over 80 years.

A Transformative Year for Vomela

The leadership change comes on the heels of significant accomplishments for Vomela. Following The Riverside Company’s investment in December 2024, the company has realized impressive growth strategies, expanding its capabilities through acquisitions of notable companies such as Moss and PFL. Moss specializes in premium event and retail graphics, while PFL is a tech-driven direct mail automation provider, both adding vital resources to Vomela's portfolio. These acquisitions were pivotal in enhancing Vomela's ability to craft engaging brand experiences at various levels.

In addition, Vomela launched an Ownership Works program, enabling its 2,100 global employees to have a stake in the company's success. This initiative is designed to foster an environment of shared growth and collaboration, benefiting both employees and the company as a whole.

Continuity and Change

The previous CEO, Mark Auth, who has been at the helm for over two decades, will transition to a position on Vomela’s board of directors. Reflecting on the company's trajectory, Auth stated, “This is not a step away but a step into a different leadership role. I am incredibly proud of what our team has built and excited to continue supporting Vomela as it evolves.”

The board, including Riverside's Operating Partner Marc Jourlait, expressed gratitude for Auth's contributions and confidence in Hazelton. They believe Hazelton will build upon the established foundation, optimizing Vomela's capabilities to better serve its clients and innovate in the market.

Expanding Leadership Team

In line with Hazelton’s appointment, Vomela has made several key executive appointments to further strengthen its leadership structure. New executives include:

• - Rob Kearley as Chief Human Resources Officer
• - John Biscanti as Chief Revenue Officer
• - Jennifer Bellin as Chief Marketing Officer
• - Kerry James as Chief Manufacturing Officer
• - Matt O'Hara as Chief Information Officer
• - Ryan Bush as President of Retail and Commercial
• - Paul Graefen as President of Transportation
• - Jason Popp as President of Events
• - Brian Roux remaining as Chief Financial Officer

These appointments demonstrate Vomela's commitment to evolving its leadership to align with its ambitious growth and innovation goals.

Conclusion

As Vomela embarks on this new chapter with Brian Hazelton at the forefront, it aims to solidify its position as a global leader in brand experiences. With a combination of strategic acquisitions, a dedicated workforce, and a visionary leadership team, the company is poised for continual success. The focus remains on delivering unparalleled service and creating memorable experiences for customers across various sectors, reinforcing the idea that Vomela is much more than a visual communications provider - it is a creator of powerful brand stories.