Oshkosh Truck promotes Szews to president and COO

Oshkosh Truck Corporation on September 18 announced the promotion of Charles L. Szews from executive vice president and chief financial officer to president and chief operating officer of the company, effective October 1. In addition, David M. Sagehorn was promoted from vice president and treasurer to executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, also effective October 1.

In his new capacity as COO, Szews will lead and direct all aspects of the company’s four business segments and growth initiatives. Since joining Oshkosh in 1996, Szews has served as vice president and CFO, and was appointed executive vice president in 1997. He also served as interim president of JLG Industries Inc. during the integration of that acquisition. In May 2007, he was named to the Oshkosh board of directors.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion of Charlie Szews to president and chief operating officer at Oshkosh. Charlie has done a magnificent job as chief financial officer, continuing to be a driving force in the development of Oshkosh’s business strategy, and he has guided the company to superior operational success during the last decade,” said Robert G. Bohn, chairman and chief executive officer. “His promotion is another step in the organizational transformation that Oshkosh is undertaking to drive worldwide growth and expansion across all of our business segments.”

Prior to joining Oshkosh, Szews was vice president and controller of Fort Howard Corporation, at the time the leading commercial tissue manufacturer in the U.S., and before that was a senior audit manager with Ernst & Young. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is a certified public accountant.

The company also announced the appointment of Sagehorn to executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, with responsibility for directing the company’s overall financial policies, as well as managing all financial functions including accounting, investor relations, credit, insurance, tax and treasury.

“Dave is a seasoned professional whose career portfolio includes extensive experience in business unit finance, corporate treasury and mergers and acquisitions," said Bohn. "We look forward to his continued contribution and strategic leadership on the executive team.”

Sagehorn joined Oshkosh in March 2000 and subsequently assumed roles of increasing responsibility, including director, business development and vice president, finance for Oshkosh’s defense business before being promoted to vice president and treasurer. Prior to joining Oshkosh, Sagehorn worked in corporate finance at CNH Global (formerly Case Corporation), and began his career in public accounting. Sagehorn holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, an MBA from Marquette University and is a certified public accountant.