Toter names new president

Recycling and waste equipment manufacturer Wastequip, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has added an executive leadership position at its corporate headquarters. Industrial manufacturing veteran Chris Kete has joined the company’s plastics division, where he will lead business and brand strategy for Toter, which manufactures two-wheel carts for curbside collection of recyclables, organics and waste.

In this role, Kete assumes profit and loss responsibility and overseea sales, marketing, manufacturing, operations, supply chain and customer service for one of Wastequip’s largest divisions, according to the company. He is responsible for achieving Toter’s long-range growth plans, setting business strategy and building go-to-market strategies that grow revenue, expand the customer base and take market share, the company says.

“Chris has a proven track record in growing revenue and earnings by developing new products, markets and channel partners,” says Martin Bryant, CEO of Wastequip. “His results-oriented approach in leading diverse teams will be key in helping us achieve our aggressive sales targets and long-range growth plan.”

Kete brings almost two decades of experience in the manufacturing industry, previously serving in executive leadership positions with The Horsburgh & Scott Co., Industrial Service Solutions, Meritor and Cummins Inc.

Kete earned his bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Cornell University and then served in the U.S. Navy from 1994 to 1999 as a submarine warfare officer. After his stint in the armed forces, he earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a George F. Baker Scholar.

“We’re excited to welcome Chris to the Toter team,” Bryant says. “We believe there is great opportunity to expand our market share, and I have no doubt he will help us drive our strategies to launch innovative products and grow our existing business.”