Arctic Cat yesterday announced that the company has named Paul Fisher, 53, as vice president of operations, effective immediately. Fisher brings more than 25 years of leadership experience with international businesses, driving lean manufacturing, quality and supply chain improvements and building effective teams.
He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Fisher succeeds Ron Ray, who is retiring from Arctic Cat on May 15 after 18 years with the company.
Commented Christopher Twomey, Arctic Cat's chairman and chief executive officer, "We are pleased to welcome Paul to Arctic Cat's leadership team. He brings an impressive operations skill set, with a proven record of implementing lean manufacturing tools. Paul's expertise complements our organization's strategic direction and continuous improvement goals. We also want to thank Ron, who is retiring from this position after 18 years. Ron's contributions are significant. He has been a strong leader, who has worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of Arctic Cat's operations."
Fisher joins Arctic Cat from Ingersoll Rand, where he served as business leader of the Trane Residential Division's operations in Tyler, TX, Ingersoll Rand's largest plant. There, he oversaw manufacturing operations of outdoor condensers, leading improvements in the cost of goods sold, safety and quality.
Before joining Ingersoll Rand, Fisher was employed by Maytag Corporation for approximately 21 years, most recently as vice president of southwest operations for Maytag's Hoover Vacuum Division. In this position, he led twin manufacturing operations in El Paso, TX, and Juarez, Mexico, and drove lean efficiencies. During his tenure at Maytag, Fisher also held increasingly responsible positions directing manufacturing strategies, materials procurement and supply quality.
In addition, Fisher previously was employed as vice president, Chance Business, Hubbell Power Systems Division, an approximately $170 million division that manufactures transmission and telecommunications products for the power utility industry.
Fisher holds an M.B.A. degree from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL, and a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA.